James 1:4

4 But let perseverance do its complete work; so that you may be complete and whole, lacking in nothing.

James 1:4 Meaning and Commentary

James 1:4

But let patience have her perfect work
Or effect; or be brought unto perfection; which may denote both the sincerity and continuance of it unto the end, with constancy: patience may be said to be perfect, when it appears to be real and sincere, and not dissembled; for as there may be a feigned faith, a dissembled love, and an hypocritical hope, so likewise a mere show of patience: and certain it is, that as there is a patience which is commendable, there is one that is not, ( 1 Peter 2:20 ) . And this phrase may also design the constant exercise of this grace to the end; for he that endures, or is patient, and continues so unto the end, shall be saved, and enjoy that perfection of glory and happiness expressed in the next clause:

that ye may be perfect and entire,
wanting nothing; which cannot be understood of the saints in this present life; only as they are in Christ, and in a comparative sense; or as perfection may denote sincerity, and uprightness; or of a perfection of parts, but not of degrees; for the saints are very imperfect in themselves, and are very far from being complete in soul, body, and spirit; and want many things, and are wanting in many things, both in the exercise of grace, and in the discharge of duty; but when patience has had its perfect work, and has been tried to the uttermost, and is found right, and has held out to the end; then shall the saints be perfect in holiness and happiness, and be entire, whole, and complete; as they will be in the resurrection morn, both in soul and body, and will want no good thing, and will be free from every sorrow, nor will they be deficient in any service; and to this sense agrees ( James 1:12 ) .

James 1:4 In-Context

2 Regard it all as joy, my brothers, when you face various kinds of temptations;

3 for you know that the testing of your trust produces perseverance.

4 But let perseverance do its complete work; so that you may be complete and whole, lacking in nothing.

5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all generously and without reproach; and it will be given to him.

6 But let him ask in trust, doubting nothing; for the doubter is like a wave in the sea being tossed and driven by the wind.