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...
James 4:16 – Stealing Credit from God
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,...
James 4:15 – The Lord’s Plan
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...
James 4:14 – Earthly Plans, or Heavenly?
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...
James 4:13 – Selfish Planning
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...
James 4:12 – Honor the Judge
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...
James 4:11 – Evil Judging
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...
James 4:10 – Useful Humility
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...
James 4:9 – Admit Your Wretchedness
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...
James 4:8 – A Heavenly Hug
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...