Category: James

James 4:17 – No More Excuses

Posted on by Will

Therefore, to him knowing what good thing to do and not doing it, it is sin to him.

Truth to Learn

Now that we know how to behave, we have no excuse if we do not completely follow James’ teaching.

Behind the Words

The word translated “knowing” is a form of idō, which means “to see, either literally or figuratively.” By implication, however, it refers to seeing something with the mind, that is, to know or understand something because we have mentally recognized it. This particular word is expressed here as a perfect participle. The participle indicates ongoing action, and the perfect tense implies a past completed action with an ongoing effect with the emphasis being on the effect. Putting this all together we see that James is speaking to one who has gained knowledge by recognition and continually has possession of such knowledge. Here’s how this word might be used in a sentence in English:

Knowing the alphabet, we can write words.

We gained our knowledge years ago, but we continually possess that knowledge. Before we learned the alphabet we couldn’t write words, but now that we have that knowledge, we are able to do so.

The words “to do” and “doing it” are from the verb poieō, which means “to make” or “to do,” either as an ongoing action or a completed action.

“Sin” is translated from the Greek word hamartia, which is derived from the verb hamartanō, meaning “to miss the mark.” Hence, hamartia refers to an act of doing wrong, having missed the expectation that God has for us.

Meaning Explained

As we read through the fourth chapter of James’ letter, on first glance it appears that this verse is simply tacked-on, not having any real relevance to the rest of the chapter. Upon deeper inspection, however, we can see that it is very relevant. James has just covered some very difficult interpersonal issues and has instructed us how to resolve, or completely avoid, these issues within the church. Here’s what he told us to do:

  • Get over our selfish desire for “stuff.” Instead of focusing on getting more, we should clean-up our thoughts and actions and humble ourselves in God’s presence, seeking His will for our lives
  • Quit talking evil about and backbiting others in the Church. Instead of comparing ourselves to others in the body of Christ, we need to compare ourselves to Christ Himself. This will produce awareness in us that we are just as guilty as those who we are talking evil about.
  • Don’t make selfish plans for our personal success. We have no control over the future, so we should continually seek God’s will for our lives and give Him all the credit for whatever success we might seem to achieve.

Now that we know what to do, James tells us, it is sinful for us not to do as instructed. We can no longer claim that we didn’t know any better!

Application

The specific subject matter of this verse is sometimes referred to as “sins of omission.” We must do as our Heavenly Father instructs us or face the consequence of not pleasing Him. The real question is, what are you going to do differently, now that you know how you ought to act?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

James 4:16 – Stealing Credit from God

Posted on by Will

But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.

Truth to Learn

Claiming credit for your own success is vicious thievery.

Behind the Words

The words “boast” and “boasting” are both translated from forms of kauchaomai, which means “to glory” or “to celebrate.” It implies making great, joyous exclamations about someone or something. As such, it is sometimes translated as “rejoice.”

“Arrogance” is translated from the Greek word alodzonia, which refers to boasting or bragging about something that one does not possess. It is derived from the word alē, which means a “wandering or roaming,” which is applied to a vagabond or quack who wanders around making empty claims about cures or miracles which he cannot perform. Hence, alodzonia refers specifically to baseless, arrogant boasting or bragging, taking credit for that which God has caused to occur.

The word “evil” is from ponēros, referring to evil actions. This word is different from kakos, meaning intrinsically or inherently worthless or evil. Ponēros refers to the evil effect or evil influence of an action. Hence, it carries the idea of “malicious” or “vicious.”

Meaning Explained

In this chapter of James’ letter, he is focusing on interpersonal issues, showing us what the sources of such problems really are. He talked about the fact that fighting and battling is caused by selfish desires to have “stuff.” He told us that the reason we don’t have is because we don’t ask God, and when we do ask God for things we don’t get them because we ask selfishly, trying to satisfy our own desires. Instead, James told us that we need to humble ourselves before Almighty God, recognizing Him as our supreme authority and source of all good things.

Then, James told us not to talk evil about each other (within the body of Christ) because in doing so we take on the role of judge regarding things of which only God is a righteous judge. When we focus on the missteps of others, we lose sight of the fact that we have just as many missteps ourselves and are, therefore, unworthy to judge others. It is the denial of our own unrighteousness that causes us to accuse our brothers and sisters of unrighteousness.

Finally, James has talked about the arrogance of those who believe that they are themselves responsible for the degree of success that they have attained in this world. They selfishly plan for future success giving no heed to the fact that it is God, and God alone, who is responsible for their success. He says here that when we celebrate our own success and brag about what we have accomplished, we are maliciously taking the rightful credit away from God.

As you can see, all these interpersonal issues are the result of us focusing on ourselves, believing that we are responsible and in control. The only way to eliminate these problems is to humble ourselves before God and recognize that He is the source of all that we have and all that we are.

Application

Do you get it yet? Do you see that the reason you are having relationship problems, or you are not being successful in life, is not because God doesn’t care? God does care! But He wants you to humble yourself and give Him the reins of your life.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

James 4:15 – The Lord’s Plan

Posted on by Will

Instead you ought to be saying, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that."

Truth to Learn

It is God’s plan for us that is important, not our own plans.

Behind the Words

The expression “Instead you ought to be saying” should be more literally translated as “Instead of your saying.”

“Lord” is translated from kurios, meaning “the one in supreme authority” or “the one who is in control.” The use of this word is an indication of our subservience and of His supremacy.

The word translated “wills” is from the Greek word thelō, meaning “to will.” It is similar to the Greek word boulomai, also translated “to will,” though it carries a sense of volition and purpose. Hence, thelō is often spoken of as “determined will” whereas boulomai is spoken of as “desirous will.” So, James is saying, “If the Lord determines it to be, then we shall live …”

Meaning Explained

This verse is a direct response to verse thirteen, with verse fourteen having been interjected as a parenthetical expression. That is to say, verse fourteen was put in to explain why the saying of verse thirteen was wrong and this verse is an example of what should have been said instead.

In keeping with what James has been telling us about planning, we need to recognize that God is the one in control of our lives, not we ourselves. It is God who determines whether we live or die, and it is God who determines whether we have success or not. Therefore, as we make plans for the future, let us not only consider God’s place in our future, let us base our future plans on Him and Him alone.

Let us beware, however, that we don’t take this verse to be a formula for guaranteeing God’s blessing on our selfish endeavors. Just because we say, “If the Lord wills” in our prayers, doesn’t mean that the Lord wills it. James’ point is that we are God’s subjects, and things will occur according to His plan, not according to our plans. We need to daily humble ourselves before God and seek His direction so that we can be used by Him to fulfill His will.

We have a big, powerful God who has saved us by His grace, has raised us up, and has made us to sit at His right hand (in Christ). Without Him we are but dust (literally). Therefore, don’t be like people of this world system, developing an ever larger image of man and an ever smaller image of God. Instead, we need to continually develop a greater recognition of the power and authority of our God, as well as a growing awareness of our absolute dependence on Him and His grace. This kind of thinking will lead us to peace and contentment!

Application

We all have plans for the future. Some of us make very formal plans that are written down and reviewed regularly. Others of us have very informal plans (we may think of them as hopes or dreams) that are not written down and tend to be more changeable. Whether your plans are written or not, take a few minutes to think about what your plans are. Then, get on your knees and give them over to God, committing to follow His plans, whether they meet your expectations or not. That’s faith!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

James 4:14 – Earthly Plans, or Heavenly?

Posted on by Will

who do not know a thing of tomorrow. What is your life? For it is a vapor that is appearing for a little while and then is disappearing.

Truth to Learn

Life is short. Eternity is long. Plans made for eternity are far better than plans made for this earthly life.

Behind the Words

The word translated “who” is hoitines, which is a relative pronoun that is tied back to “you who say” in the previous verse. It serves to make the following more emphatically directed to those who were talked about in the previous verse.

We have previously looked at the word here translated as “know.” It is a word which literally means “to stand over,” that is, “to put your mind upon” or “to comprehend.”

The word translated “what” is poia, which is a qualitative interrogative. That is, James is asking a rhetorical question about the nature of life. It could be translated as, “what is your life like?”

“Vapor” is translated from the word atmis, which refers to a mist, like that given off by a fountain or that which is blown off the top of a wave.

The words “appearing” and “disappearing” are both forms of the word phainō, meaning “to shine” or “to appear,” but the word for “disappearing” is preceded by a, meaning not. Both words are expressed as participles, so this could be translated, “briefly appearing then disappearing.”

Meaning Explained

We are so adept at forming plans as if we knew what the future holds, and yet we have no way of knowing what will happen tomorrow let alone during the next year. In the whole scheme of things, our life here on this earth is very short and will have no lasting impact at all on the rest of humanity except as we serve God in His eternal plan. We will be here for only a short while, then like a mist we will vanish from this earth.

We should be planning for the future, just not our earthly future. Here’s what Christ told his followers:

Do not treasure up for yourselves treasures on earth … but treasure up for yourselves treasures in heaven … For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-21)

Therefore do not be anxious, saying, “What might we eat?” or “What might we drink?” or “What might we wear?” … For your heavenly Father knows that you have need for all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious about its own things … (Matthew 6:31-33a)

Application

Do you want your life to really mean something? Turn over control to God and let Him make something of it; follow His plan for your life. Some day we will all stand before God at the Judgment Seat of Christ. Will we make it to heaven with the smell of smoke on us, as all of our earthly endeavors burn up, or will we hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”? My goal is the latter. How about you?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

James 4:13 – Selfish Planning

Posted on by Will

Come now, you who are saying, "Today or tomorrow we will go into this city, and we will spend a year there, and we will trade and we will make a profit";

Truth to Learn

Making plans apart from the will of God is selfish and stupid.

Behind the Words

The opening phrase in this verse, “Come now,” is translated from the Greek words, age nun. Age is an expression of leadership used to get attention and give direction and nun simply means “now.” Used as it is here, it is an attention grabber to shake us out of our prideful sniping and slandering of others so that we can see that we who are judging others have our own problems.

“This city” is a translation of tēnde tēn polin, which literally translates as “such a city” or “this city.” The picture is of two people looking at a map and one of them pointing to a city saying, “We will go to this city.”

The expression “spend a year” is from the Greek poiēsomen eniauton. The word poiēsomen is a form of poieō, meaning “to make” or “to do” and the word eniauton refers to a literal year. So this person is saying, “We will do a year there.”

“Trade” is an interpretation of the word emporeusomai, which literally means “to travel in.” It is related to the noun emporos which refers to a merchant, that is, someone who travels around trading goods. So, metaphorically, it means “to trade” or “to buy and sell.”

The expression “make a profit” is translated from the verb kerdainō, meaning “to win” or “to get gain.”

Meaning Explained

It may seem that James is making an abrupt change in subject matter with this verse, but I think he is making a subtle point in his apparent change of emphasis. In the previous two verses he spoke against our inclination to be critical of others. James knows that because we are so critical of others, we don’t see the problems in our own lives.

In his letter to the Christians in Rome, the Apostle Paul said this about those who pass judgment on others:

Therefore, O man, you are without excuse, everyone who judges, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you, those judging, practice the same things. (Romans 2:1)

When we have our eyes on others, critically examining their actions, we fail to see the problems with our own actions. But, when we have our eyes on God, recognizing how far short we fall compared to His holiness, we become humbled, not proud.

Now, is James trying to tell us that it is wrong to plan? No, that’s not what he’s saying at all. In this verse and the two that follow James is talking about boastful pride. To plan for the future is good as long as we recognize who is in control of our future, but to arrogantly believe that we are in control of our own future is nothing more than the sin of selfish pride.

Application

Do you have plans for your future? Do those plans include how you will serve God for the remainder of your days? Those are good plans to have, but remember that God’s plans for you may be different. Are you willing to follow Him no matter what His plan may be?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

James 4:12 – Honor the Judge

Posted on by Will

There is one Lawgiver and Judge, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you judging your neighbor?

Truth to Learn

God is the judge of us all. Let’s keep this in perspective when we feel like being judgmental of those around us.

Behind the Words

The word translated “lawgiver” is nomothetēs which is a compound of nomos, meaning “law” and tithēmi meaning “to put in place.” Hence it is one who puts the law in place. Clearly, there is only One who can do that.

In the Greek text the first word in this verse is eis, meaning “one.” A literal translation of the opening of this verse is “One is the lawgiver.” This places emphasis on the fact that there is only one!

The words “and Judge” are not present in some Greek texts, but the best texts include these words.

The Greek word translated “destroy” is apollumi. This word is made up of apo, meaning “away” or “away from” and ollumi, meaning “to destroy.” Hence, it literally means “to destroy away” or as we might say, to destroy completely, leaving no trace behind.

“Who are you” is translated from the words which literally say, “But you, who are you …”

Some Greek texts end this verse with “another” (heteros). However, the best texts end this verse with “neighbor” (plēsion).

Meaning Explained

In keeping with the previous verse where James equates slandering others with judging them, he now explains why we should not judge others. There is only one judge of mankind and He is the sinless Savior of the world.

Since there is only One who is capable of putting the law in place, whether referring to the law of Moses or the law of righteousness, who are we to be interpreters (judges) of that law? And since we are unfit to judge, we are clearly out of bounds when we speak judgmentally against a brother.

Only a few verses back James made it abundantly clear that we need to be humbled before Almighty God. In today’s modern world, however, we pride ourselves on our self-sufficiency and our independence. In other words, we tend to make ourselves out to be our own gods, not needing any higher power to assist us. It was no different in James’ day and he cautioned his Christian brothers and sisters to recognize that we all have a Supreme Lord who is able to give life and take it away. We need to recognize our lowly place before Him and give Him the reverence and fear He alone deserves. So, let’s listen to Him. Here’s what he said to the Israelites:

Now see that I, even I, am He, And there is no God besides Me; I kill and I keep alive; I wound and I heal; and there is no deliverer from My hand. (Deuteronomy 32:39)

And, here is what Christ told His disciples:

And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10:28)

Application

When we die we will not cease to exist, our soul will live eternally. Upon crossing the threshold of death’s door we will appear before our Judge, where we will give Him the reverence that He alone deserves and we will give account of our service to Him while on this earth. So, right now, instead of focusing on others and judging them, let’s focus on God and both serve and revere Him!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

James 4:11 – Evil Judging

Posted on by Will

Do not speak against one another, brothers. The one speaking against a brother and judging his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge.

Truth to Learn

Being judgmental could make you guilty before God.

Behind the Words

The Greek word translated “speak against” is katalaleō, which is made up of kata, meaning “down” or “against” and laleō, which means “to speak or talk.” Hence, this word means “to talk down,” “to talk against,” or “to slander.” This word is expressed in the imperative mood and is preceded by the word mē, meaning “absolutely not.”

“One another” is translated from allēlōn, meaning “each other” or “yourselves.” This is an indication that James is talking about such slandering within the church, among brothers and sisters in Christ.

The verb translated “judging” is from the Greek word krinō, meaning “to distinguish” or “to make a determination from the information you have.” By implication here, however, it means “to try, condemn, and punish.” When we judge a brother or sister in Christ, we usually do so without all the facts.

Nomos is the Greek word translated “law.” This word is derived from Nemō, meaning “to divide among” or “to parcel out.” Hence, nomos refers “that which is parceled out.” It is the word that is used throughout the New Testament in reference to either the Law which was given (parceled out) to Moses at Mt. Sinai or to the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2), which is the law of righteousness (Romans 9:31). It appears that here James is referring to the law of righteousness.

Meaning Explained

In an earlier verse in this chapter it was pointed out that James is focusing on problems regarding interpersonal relations within the church. In the current verse it is the problem of being judgmental of a brother or sister in Christ.

The evil referred to here is that of talking against another: their actions, their motives, their manner of living, their family. This is not to say that we should never disagree. Disagreement and discussion are important to the growth and learning process. It is when we talk against the person, not the ideas, that we cross over the line, particularly if it is “behind his or her back.”

There are things about which we are supposed to judge others in the church. For instance, in 1 Corinthians 5:11 we are told to judge whether or not a brother or sister is,

… sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner …

We are told not to even eat with such people. In 1 Corinthians chapter six we are told that we should judge matters within the church rather than going to the world’s court system. But there are some things we are not to judge others about.

When we are speaking against a fellow Christian, we are becoming an interpreter of God’s law of righteousness. That is, we are making a judgment regarding righteousness. But, in so doing, we violate God’s law of righteousness. There is only One who can judge righteously and not commit unrighteousness Himself, our holy, sinless God. Keep in mind what James told us back in James 2:8:

If indeed you fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you do well;

Application

Let’s guard carefully what we say about others, particularly those within the church. Let’s focus on pleasing God and doing His will rather than on what others are or aren’t doing. Let’s be “swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” (James 1:19) This is absolutely imperative if we are to be humbled before God.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

James 4:10 – Useful Humility

Posted on by Will

Be humbled before the Lord, and He will exalt you.

Truth to Learn

Being humbled in God’s presence is precisely what He wants of us!

Behind the Words

“Humbled” is translated from the Greek verb tapeinoō, which is an old verb from the noun tapeinos, meaning “low, particularly of attitude or social position.” This verb is expressed in the imperative mood, indicating a command. But, this verb is also expressed by James in the passive voice indicating that the action is being done to the subject (be humbled!)

The word “before” is a translation of the adverb enōpion, which is made up of en, meaning “in” and a form of ōps, meaning “the eyes” or “the face, as represented by the eyes.” Hence, it literally means “in the eyes of” but has the meaning of “in the presence of” or “before.”

“He will exalt you” is translated from the Greek verb hupsoō (from hopsos, meaning “height” or “elevation.”) This verb, therefore, means “to be raised up to an elevated position.” It is expressed here in the future tense and is translated as “He will exalt.”

Meaning Explained

When we truly see our sinfulness as God does, we have no choice but to be humbled before Him. We are told in 1 John 1:9 that if we confess our sins, He will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. The word “confess” is homologeō, which means “to be of the same mind as God” concerning our sins. When we truly confront our sins and see them as God sees them, we naturally place ourselves humbly before Him. Seeing ourselves as sinners before a holy and pure God. Bowing before Him in our hearts puts us exactly where He wants us, where He can use us for His glory. When we are completely humbled before God, James says that He will lift us up (exalt us). Notice the play on words, when we become humbled (made low) before Him, He will elevate us (made high).

The Apostle Peter puts it this way in 1 Peter 5:6:

Therefore be humbled under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.

The word translated “due time” is kairos which means “the proper time” or “the proper occasion.” The word translated as “exalt” in 1 Peter 5:6 is the same word that appears in the end of James’ verse as “exalt you.” In other words, if we will humble ourselves before our Holy God, He will lift us up when His timing is right and we can be used for His Glory!

Application

Let me encourage each one of you to examine your life and your walk with the Lord. Are you living for Him, or are you living for yourself? The only way to truly be at peace in this world is to be completely submitted to God, willing to go and to do as He commands you through His Word and by His Spirit. If you aren’t regularly humbled before God, you will be subject to the temptations of the world system. You will have bitter envying and strife in your hearts as James talked about in the previous chapter, and you will have battles and arguements as he talks about in this chapter. But the person who is submitted and committed, humbled before the mighty hand of God, is usable by God and is at peace! 

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

James 4:9 – Admit Your Wretchedness

Posted on by Will

Be distressed and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.

Truth to Learn

Realize how sinful you really are compared to our Holy God.

Behind the Words

“Be distressed” is translated from the Greek word talaipōreō, which is closely related to the noun talaipōria, meaning misery. Hence, this verb implies that we are to realize our miserable condition. In other words, we are to be afflicted and to lament over our dirty hands and impure heart. It implies an inward reaction to the realization of our condition. This is the only place in the New Testament where this word is used.

The word “mourn” is from the verb penthēsate, which is the outward manifestation of inward grief. Hence, it means “to mourn,” “to lament,” or “to show grief.”

The word translated “weep” is klausate, which means “to cry our loud” or “to wail.” It is the audible manifestation and expression of mourning. All three of these words are expressed in the imperative mood in Greek. That is, James in not simply suggesting that we do such things, but is imploring, or commanding us to.

Meaning Explained

James said in the previous verse, “Cleanse your hands, sinners; and purify your hearts, double minded ones.” He is not saying, if you’re a sinner, cleanse your hands and, if you are a double minded person, purify your hearts. He’s saying you are a sinner, so cleanse your hands, and you are double minded, so purify your hearts! He gets even more “in your face” in this verse. The first part could be paraphrased as, “Become fully aware of your wretchedness, grieve about it and cry out loud.” The only way to draw near to God is to recognize our own sinfulness. We need to see how truly loathsome we are in our sinfulness. In 1 John 1:9 we are told:

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

 The word translated as “confess” is homologeō, which has the meaning of “have the same thoughts as God.” That’s what James is telling us in today’s verse regarding our need to come close to God and to grieve over our sinfulness before Him. As we recognize our own wretched condition and humble ourselves before God, he will draw close to us with perfect forgiveness.

We often cover up our poor relation with God by pretending to be happy or by seeking out activities that will make us happy. Instead, James tells us that we need to grieve over our sinfulness, especially in the presence of a Holy God! He knows precisely how wretchedly sinful we are and makes no pretense about it. We need to quit lying to ourselves and to God by recognizing our own wretchedness before Him.

James is not talking about an outward show of humility and self-deprecation to show others how humble we are. The comparison is not between us and other sinners or even between us and other Christians. He is saying, rather, that we need to humble ourselves on the inside as we see ourselves in relation to a Holy God. Compared to His holiness and glory, we really are miserable and wretched. This is precisely what Christ says to the lukewarm church in Laodicea:

Because you say, “I am rich and I have become wealthy, and have need of nothing”—and do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind, and naked. (Revelation 3:17)

Clearly, there is a progression here; submit to God, resist the Devil and his world system, become more intimate with our Holy God, cleanse yourself of current sin, and grieve over your lack of holiness. But James doesn’t leave us there. He has still more to say to us.

Application

It’s easy for us to fool ourselves into believing that we’re not really so bad, especially compared to everyone else around us. God is not fooled, though, and He says that we are wretched in our sinfulness. Let’s all realize our own wretchedness and humble ourselves before God.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

James 4:8 – A Heavenly Hug

Posted on by Will

Come near to God and He will come near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded ones.

Truth to Learn

We need to work on becoming closer to, and more intimate with, God.

Behind the Words

The verb translated “come near” is engidzō, which means “to approach” or “to come near.” It is derived from the word engus, which has as its root the primary verb agchō, meaning “to squeeze.” The sense of this expression is that we are to draw near to God as if to give Him a hug. It is expressed here in the imperative mood, indicating a command.

“Cleanse” is from the verb katharidzō, which means “to cleanse” or “to get rid of filth.” It is the hands we are to cleanse, because they are the outward instruments of action. This verb is also in the imperative mood.

The word “purify” is translated from hagnidzō, which is related to hagios, meaning “holy” or “pure.” Hence, hagnidzō means “to make something pure and without defilement.” It is the heart we are to purify, because our heart is the inward source of our impurity. Once again, this verb is expressed in the imperative mood.

The word dipsuchos, is a compound word made up of dis, meaning “twice” and psuchē, meaning “soul” or “mind.” Thus, dipsuchos means “having two souls” or “having two minds.” It is translated here as “double-minded,” which implies a mind which is divided in its loyalty between two things. In this verse it refers to someone whose thoughts and desires are divided between God and the world system.

Meaning Explained

Not only do we need to submit to God, as we saw in the previous verse, but we need to draw near. It certainly goes along with Proverbs 3:6 which says:

In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.

The word “acknowledge” here is the same as the word “knew” in Genesis 4:1 where it says:

And Adam knew Eve his wife …

This is from the Hebrew word yaw-dah. One of the primary uses of this word means “to know relationally and experientially.” In this sense, we could define this word as, “to become intimately familiar with.” So, we draw near to God by becoming intimately familiar with him, by learning more about him, by knowing him better. As we become more intimate with God, He will, in turn, become more intimate with us.

The second half of this verse tells us that we need to clean up our act! James tells us to cleanse our hands. In other words, stop doing those things which defile us. And, he tells us to purify our hearts. We need to clean-up our thoughts and desires.

We need to turn from our inclination to sin, confessing it to God and setting our hearts on Him alone. We need to stop trying to balance God and the world. We can’t have one foot in each realm. We can’t be really committed to God if we are holding on tightly to the world system. In fact, we can’t be fully committed to God if we are holding on to the world system at all! Instead, we need to let go of the enticements of this world and focus our attention and our efforts on God.

Application

This would be an excellent time for prayer. Take a few minutes right now to draw near to God. Confess your worldliness and desire for stuff, asking Him to help you cleanse your hands and purify your heart. Then, thank Him for His mercy, His grace, and His love! And – when you see the results that God promises, give Him all the praise and glory.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved