James 4: 13-17 (brief)

Desert-Windows

Delta Evrou, Greece-trekearth

James 4: 13-17 English Standard Version

13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— 14 yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. 15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” 16 As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. 17 So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.

James 4:13-17 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.” 14 [a]Yet you do not know [b]what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. 15 [c]Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.” 16 But as it is, you boast in your [d]arrogance; all such boasting is evil. 17 Therefore, to one who knows the [e]right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.

Footnotes:

James 4:14 Lit Who do not
James 4:14 Or what will happen tomorrow. What kind of life is yours?
James 4:15 Lit Instead of your saying
James 4:16 Or pretensions
James 4:17 Or good

End of Scripture

T. Carson provides the view that this section is not primarily referring to disbelieving Jews, but is applicable to believing Christians. Carson (1986: 1545).  The reminder is that one does not know what will happen tomorrow and life is like a passing mist. Carson (1986: 1545).

The writer of the Book of James reminds that it is only if the Lord wills that such and such shall take place. Carson (1986: 1545). Boasting in arrogance is a sign of trusting in one's own self and one's own plans, rather than in the sovereign plans of God. Therefore, the text states that to know what the right and good thing to do is and not do it, is sin. This does not preclude the possibility of sins of ignorance. Carson (1986: 1545). Barclay states that this is a warning from God that one's life is not in human hands but in God's. Barclay (1976: 114).

Barclay also writes that 'James answer is that no man has a right to make confident plans for the future, for he does not know even what a day may bring forth. Man may propose but God disposes.' Barclay (1976: 113).

The uncertainty of this life is a cause to trust in God, as in dependence. Barclay (1976: 114). This should not paralyze a Christian with fear and inaction, as plans can still be made, but an understanding should be that these plans may not occur within God's will. Barclay (1976: 114).

Excellent from Barclay in regard to the idea that no human being has the actual right to make confident plans for the future, in reality only tentative, humble plans. Because, what human beings often propose, God disposes of.

Often in a Western, goal-driven, success-minded society, not that I am opposed to goals, from a Christian perspective, God is placed in a box as in philosophical, theological restrictions, and from youth forward persons are encouraged by significant others to 'go for the gold' etcetera.

This menu and recipe for success comes with certain preconceived notions of how life should play itself out.

But, even though God the Son was incarnated as a man, and is forever, now the God-Man, Jesus Christ, God often has a different, non-human way of looking at life and human success.  God often does not follow the menu, the recipe and plan for success that persons, Western persons, and Christians would like that would be in-line with preconceived notions.

Yes, this also connects to problems of evil, problems of suffering and theodicy.

To deal with reasonably, I reason it requires much prayer, significant Biblical, Theological and Philosophical study, fellowship with other believers that encourage one in a proper direction and personal adaptability by the leading of the Holy Spirit.

When in agreement with preconceived notions, related plans and goals and when not in agreement with preconceived notions, related plans and goals.

BARCLAY, WILLIAM (1976) The Letters of James and Peter, Philadelphia, The Westminster Press.

CARSON, T. (1986) ‘James’, in F.F. Bruce (ed.), The International Bible Commentary, Grand Rapids, Zondervan.