James 4:5 has presented a problem because there is uncertainty about the verse(s) James quoted (or perhaps only referred to). This text reads: “Or does it seem to you that the scripture says to no purpose: ‘It is with a tendency to envy that the spirit which has taken up residence within us keeps longing’?” It has been suggested that these words were drawn by James under divine inspiration from the general thought of such texts as Genesis 6:5; 8:21; Proverbs 21:10; and Galatians 5:17.

Relationship to Earlier Inspired Scripture. James quoted or referred to the Hebrew Scriptures with regard to man’s creation (Jas 3:9; Ge 1:26); Abraham and Rahab (Jas 2:21-26; Ge 15:6; 22:9-12; Jos 2; Isa 41:8); Job (Jas 5:11; Job 1:13-22; 2:7-10; 42:10-17); the Law (Jas 2:8, 11; Ex 20:13, 14; Le 19:18; De 5:17, 18), and Elijah (Jas 5:17, 18; 1Ki 17:1; 18:1).