James 1:13
Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
Temptation in the verse means enticement to sin. God cannot be tempted with evil, and He tempts no one to evil. God may prove people so that they recognize their weakness and whether they love God and their neighbor, which is distinct from tempting them to sin. Temptation arises when a person is drawn away and enticed by his own desire, the evil within the human heart.
Temptation to evil comes from Satan, who seizes on every permitted trial and every blessing to tempt, harass, and destroy the soul when given the least advantage. Evil, sin, and death did not come from God but resulted from disobedience, which began with Satan. Desire when conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when completed brings death. Enduring temptation leads to the crown of life promised to those who love God. The temptation to seek forbidden knowledge arose from Satan's cunning and unsatisfied desires, and pursuing it brought humanity loss rather than improvement.
Temptation never excuses sin because sin is always the person's own act; responsibility rests on the tempted person, not on God, so no one can excuse sinful conduct by claiming God led them to it, including rationalizing unholy practices as what God would have them do. No pressure, provocation, or assault from earth or hell can compel anyone to do evil, and even the strongest temptation, the greatest spiritual light, and the fullest enjoyment of divine favor do not excuse transgression, as shown when Moses was severely tried yet his sin was not excused. God has made ample provision so that those who rely on His strength need not be overcome and need not become the sport of circumstances, even when Satan attacks weak points with severe or unexpected assaults.
The verse calls for individual victory over self, temper, and inclinations by bringing the will into conformity to God's will and keeping under God's discipline. Victory requires keeping every impulse of nature, faculty of mind, and inclination of heart moment by moment under the control of the Spirit, walking humbly, guarding the spirit, exercising self-control under the greatest provocation, and pleading in faith for God to direct every thought and control every impulse. The glory of heaven is only for those who on this earth work out the righteousness of Christ, moving steadily forward from victory to victory until they are made more than conquerors.