11. The hot sun rises and the grass withers; the little flower droops and falls, and its beauty fades away. In the same way, the rich will fade away with all of their achievements.
12. God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
13. And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else.
14. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away.
15. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.
16. So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters.
17. Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.
18. He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.