James 4:9

New Living Translation

Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy.

Cross References

Nehemiah 8:9

Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were interpreting for the people said to them, “Don’t mourn or weep on such a day as this! For today is a sacred day before the Lord your God.” For the people had all been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.

Job 30:31

My harp plays sad music, and my flute accompanies those who weep.

Psalm 119:136

Rivers of tears gush from my eyes because people disobey your instructions.

Psalm 119:67

I used to wander off until you disciplined me; but now I closely follow your word.

Psalm 119:71

My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.

Proverbs 14:13

Laughter can conceal a heavy heart, but when the laughter ends, the grief remains.

Ecclesiastes 2:2

So I said, “Laughter is silly. What good does it do to seek pleasure?”

Jeremiah 31:13

The young women will dance for joy, and the men—old and young—will join in the celebration. I will turn their mourning into joy. I will comfort them and exchange their sorrow for rejoicing.

Jeremiah 31:9

Tears of joy will stream down their faces, and I will lead them home with great care. They will walk beside quiet streams and on smooth paths where they will not stumble. For I am Israel’s father, and Ephraim is my oldest child.

Lamentations 5:15

Joy has left our hearts; our dancing has turned to mourning.

Ezekiel 16:63

You will remember your sins and cover your mouth in silent shame when I forgive you of all that you have done. I, the Sovereign Lord, have spoken!”

Ezekiel 7:16

The survivors who escape to the mountains will moan like doves, weeping for their sins.

Matthew 21:41

The religious leaders replied, “He will put the wicked men to a horrible death and lease the vineyard to others who will give him his share of the crop after each harvest.”

Matthew 5:4

God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Luke 16:25

“But Abraham said to him, ‘Son, remember that during your lifetime you had everything you wanted, and Lazarus had nothing. So now he is here being comforted, and you are in anguish.

Luke 6:21

God blesses you who are hungry now, for you will be satisfied. God blesses you who weep now, for in due time you will laugh.

Luke 6:25

What sorrow awaits you who are fat and prosperous now, for a time of awful hunger awaits you. What sorrow awaits you who laugh now, for your laughing will turn to mourning and sorrow.