James 4:6 - God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble

But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

But He gives a greater grace Therefore it says, "GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE."

James 4:6

Commentary

The only ray of hope in man's spiritual darkness is the sovereign grace of God, which alone can rescue man from his propensity to lust for evil things. That God gives "more grace" shows that His grace is greater than the power of sin, the flesh, the world, and Satan (cf. Rom. 5:20). The OT quote (from Prov. 3:34; cf. 1 Pet. 5:5) reveals who obtains God's grace-the humble, not the proud enemies of God. The word "humble" does not define a special class of Christians, but encompasses all believers (cf. Is. 57:15; 66:2; Matt. 18:3,4).

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Jas 4:6). Nashville: Word Pub.

Isaiah 57:15 - I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit

For this is what the high and lofty One says- he who lives forever, whose name is holy: "I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.

For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

For thus says the high and exalted One Who lives forever, whose name is Holy, "I dwell on a high and holy place, And also with the contrite and lowly of spirit In order to revive the spirit of the lowly And to revive the heart of the contrite."

Isaiah 57:15

Commentary

This verse matches Ex. 34:6 as a defining passage for understanding the biblical view of God: Though God is completely unapproachable, He reaches down to lift up those who humble themselves before Him. High and Lofty may be rephrased as "Exceedingly Lofty" (2:11; 6:1; 52:13). This is one of the ways in which Isaiah describes the transcendence and holiness of God. He is above everyone-perfect and holy.

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (Is 57:15). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

contrite and humble spirit - Those who submit to God's law and repent under His judgment (Ps. 34:17, 18; 51:17; 1 Pet. 5:6).

Whitlock, L. G., Sproul, R. C., Waltke, B. K., & Silva, M. (1995). Reformation study Bible, the : Bringing the light of the Reformation to Scripture : New King James Version. Includes index. (Is 57:15). Nashville: T. Nelson.