12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will 

receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. 13 When tempted, no one 

should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt 

anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and 

enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives 

birth to death. 16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is 

from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of 

all he created.