What is the meaning of James 4:6?

But He gives us more grace

– James has just exposed the bitter fruit of worldly passions (James 4:1-5). Yet the very next sentence dazzles with hope: “But He gives us more grace.”

• God’s answer to human waywardness is not less favor but an overflow of it. When sin increases, “grace abounded all the more” (Romans 5:20).

• “More” signals sufficiency beyond the immediate crisis—fresh, present-tense help (Hebrews 4:16).

• Grace here is not merely pardon; it is the empowering presence that enables obedience (2 Corinthians 12:9).

• The Giver is personal—“He.” The same God who is jealous for our affection (James 4:5) now supplies what He demands, echoing Philippians 2:13.

---

This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

James grounds his statement in Scripture (Proverbs 3:34), showing that this has always been God’s pattern.

• Opposition to the proud

– Pride puts self at the center, resisting God’s rightful rule (Isaiah 14:13-14; Luke 18:11-14).

– Divine “opposition” is an active stance; the proud find God acting as their adversary (Psalm 18:27).

• Grace to the humble

– Humility is simply agreeing with God about our need (Isaiah 66:2; Micah 6:8).

– Those who bow low experience lifting up (1 Peter 5:5-6, echoing this very verse).

– The humble are teachable, so grace can flow unhindered into attitudes, relationships, and choices (Matthew 11:29).

• Practical takeaways

– Reject self-reliance; welcome God-reliance.

– Confess sin quickly; grace rushes in (1 John 1:9).

– Practice voluntary lowliness—serving others, listening well, admitting weakness (Philippians 2:3-4).

---

summary

James 4:6 beams with contrast: though our hearts drift, God supplies “more grace.” That surplus, however, is reserved for the humble; the proud meet resistance, not relief. Choose the low place, and the Lord’s abundant grace will meet you there, empowering joyful obedience and deepening fellowship with Him.