James 4:13
Verse
Context
Do Not Boast about Tomorrow
12There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?13Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make a profit.”14You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Go to now - Αγε νυν· Come now, the same in meaning as the Hebrew הבה habah, come, Gen 11:3, Gen 11:4, Gen 11:7. Come, and hear what I have to say, ye that say, etc. To-day, or to-morrow, we will go - This presumption on a precarious life is here well reproved; and the ancient Jewish rabbins have some things on the subject which probably St. James had in view. In Debarim Rabba, sec. 9, fol. 261, 1, we have the following little story; "Our rabbins tell us a story which happened in the days of Rabbi Simeon, the son of Chelpatha. He was present at the circumcision of a child, and stayed with its father to the entertainment. The father brought out wine for his guests that was seven years old, saying, With this wine will I continue for a long time to celebrate the birth of my new-born son. They continued supper till midnight. At that time Rabbi Simeon arose and went out, that he might return to the city in which he dwelt. On the way he saw the angel of death walking up and down. He said to him, Who art thou? He answered, I am the messenger of God. The rabbin said, Why wanderest thou about thus? He answered, I slay those persons who say, We will do this, or that, and think not how soon death may overpower them: that man with whom thou hast supped, and who said to his guests, With this wine will I continue for a long time to celebrate the birth of my new-born son, behold the end of his life is at hand, for he shall die within thirty days." By this parable they teach the necessity of considering the shortness and uncertainty of human life; and that God is particularly displeased with those ... "Who, counting on long years of pleasure here, Are quite unfurnished for a world to come." And continue there a year, and buy and sell - This was the custom of those ancient times; they traded from city to city, carrying their goods on the backs of camels. The Jews traded thus to Tyre, Sidon, Caesarea, Crete, Ephesus, Philippi, Thessalonica, Corinth, Rome, etc. And it is to this kind of itinerant mercantile life that St. James alludes. See at the end of this chapter, (Jam 4:17 (note)).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Go to now--"Come now"; said to excite attention. ye that say--boasting of the morrow. To-day or to-morrow--as if ye had the free choice of either day as a certainty. Others read, "To-day and to-morrow." such a city--literally, "this the city" (namely, the one present to the mind of the speaker). This city here. continue . . . a year--rather, "spend one year." Their language implies that when this one year is out, they purpose similarly settling plans for to come [BENGEL]. buy and sell--Their plans for the future are all worldly.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Go to now, ye that say,.... The apostle passes from exposing the sin of detraction, and rash judgment, to inveigh against those of presumption and self-confidence; and the phrase, "go to now", is a note of transition, as well as of attention, and contains the form of a solemn and grave address to persons, who either think within themselves, or vocally express, the following words, or the like unto them: today, or tomorrow, we will go into such a city; in such a country, a place of great trade and merchandise; as Tyre then was in Phoenicia, Thessalonica in Macedonia, Ephesus in Asia, and others: some render this as an imperative, or as an exhortation, "let us go", which does not alter the sense. And continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain; as is customary for merchants to do; nor does the apostle design by this to condemn merchandise, and the lawful practice of buying and selling, and getting gain; but that men should not resolve upon those things without consulting God, and attending to his will, and subjecting themselves to it; and without considering the uncertainty and frailty of human life; as well as should not promise and assure themselves of success, of getting gain and riches, as if those things were in their own power, and had no dependence upon the providence and blessing of God.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:13-16 Itinerant merchants depended on personal assertiveness as a solution to their poverty and low social status. James urges greater recognition of God’s providence and warns against arrogantly planning events which one cannot really control.
James 4:13
Do Not Boast about Tomorrow
12There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?13Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make a profit.”14You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
God's Will About the Future
By C.H. Spurgeon2.9K45:30JAS 4:13The sermon transcript discusses the uncertainty and fleeting nature of life, emphasizing the need to recognize God in the future. It highlights the folly of counting on the future and the fact that we are ignorant of what lies ahead. The sermon also warns against boasting about the future, considering it a sin. The speaker references Wesley's journal as an example of living each moment for the Lord rather than focusing on distant plans. The sermon concludes with a call to action, urging listeners to share the story of the Cross and not leave anything undone for their Lord and Master.
Don't Waste Your Life
By John Piper2.0K42:35DEU 32:39JAS 4:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of treasuring and displaying the supreme value of Jesus in one's life. He explains that this can be achieved by finding satisfaction in Jesus above all other things and being willing to risk or sacrifice for Him. The speaker shares the story of the apostle Paul, who desired more of Christ even in the midst of suffering. He also highlights the danger of wasting one's life and urges listeners to prioritize their relationship with Jesus. The sermon concludes with a prayer for young people to be willing to lay down their lives to display the glory of Christ among unreached peoples.
True Christians in the Workplace Part 1
By Sanjay Poonen1.3K1:08:50JAS 4:13This sermon focuses on the importance of being true Christians in the workplace, drawing inspiration from biblical examples like Joseph, Daniel, Nehemiah, Peter, Paul, and others. It emphasizes the need to have godly values, work hard, be a light in the workplace, seek the counsel of others, be a change agent, and seek to improve and grow those around you. The sermon also highlights the significance of being careful with words and actions, seeking the direction of the Holy Spirit, and not seeking selfish ambition but rather seeking to honor God and encourage others.
John Wesley: A Man of One Book
By Edward Panosian1.3K49:57PSA 19:7JAS 4:13In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the simplicity and accessibility of the message of the Bible. He refers to James 4:13, where it is highlighted that life is fleeting and unpredictable, and therefore, we should acknowledge the Lord's will in our plans. The preacher also mentions Psalm 19, which describes the law of the Lord as perfect and able to make the simple wise. He encourages the audience to appeal to the Spirit of God to apply the message of the Bible to their souls. The sermon concludes with a prayer for the congregation to seek a personal relationship with Jesus and experience a transformation in their lives.
Where Will You Spend Eternity?
By Ray Brubaker99313:30EternityMAT 24:44MAT 25:13JAS 4:13REV 19:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the certainty of death and the importance of being prepared for it. He reminds the audience that death is appointed to all and that no one can escape it. The preacher urges non-Christians to receive Jesus Christ as their Savior and be ready for His return. He also highlights the eternal consequences of rejecting Christ, emphasizing the need to make the choice of where to spend eternity. The sermon draws from biblical passages, such as James 4:13-14 and 2 Peter 3:9, to support its message.
Are You Wasting Your Life? - John Piper
By From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons42242:27RadioDEU 32:39PHP 1:21JAS 4:13In this sermon, John Piper reflects on the brevity of life and the importance of not wasting it. He emphasizes the tragedy of retirement, which he sees as a societal push for people to waste the rest of their lives. Piper prays for a life of significance and meaning, where every death counts for God's glory. He shares a powerful story told by his father about an old man who felt he had wasted his life, inspiring Piper to commit to not wasting his own. The sermon concludes with the message that life is meant to display the supreme value of Jesus, and this is achieved by treasuring Him above all else and being willing to risk and sacrifice for Him.
Compromising Christianity - Keith Daniel
By From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons34142:27RadioDEU 32:39PHP 1:21JAS 4:13In this sermon, John Piper reflects on the brevity of life and the importance of not wasting it. He emphasizes the tragedy of retirement, which he sees as a societal push for people to waste the rest of their lives. Piper prays for a life of significance and meaning, where every death counts for God's glory. He shares a powerful story told by his father about an old man who felt he had wasted his life, inspiring Piper to commit to not wasting his own. The sermon concludes with the message that life is meant to display the supreme value of Jesus, and this is achieved by treasuring Him above all else and being willing to risk and sacrifice for Him.
It's Hard for a Rich Man (James pt.10)
By Shane Idleman931:57Humility and GenerosityWealth and SpiritualityJAS 4:13Shane Idleman addresses the dangers of wealth in his sermon 'It's Hard for a Rich Man,' emphasizing that riches can lead to arrogance and a false sense of security, drawing individuals away from God. He references James 4 and 5, highlighting the importance of humility and the need to seek God's will in our plans rather than boasting about our own. Idleman warns that wealth can corrupt and lead to a wasted life, urging believers to be generous and to recognize that true riches come from a right relationship with God. He concludes by encouraging patience and establishing one's heart in faith, reminding the congregation that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.
Ecclesiastes 6:10
By Chuck Smith0Trust in GodThe Meaning of LifeECC 6:10JAS 4:13Chuck Smith discusses the futility of contending with God, emphasizing that humans often struggle against divine will due to life's adversities, such as tragedy or disappointment. He questions what is truly good for us, pondering whether riches or poverty, health or sickness, ultimately lead us closer to God. Smith asserts that life is fleeting and devoid of meaning without Christ, highlighting that true fulfillment comes from trusting God through all circumstances. He encourages the congregation to reflect on their relationship with God rather than their earthly conditions.
Departure From Rome
By Clement of Rome0PRO 19:21PRO 27:1MAT 7:3JHN 1:14JAS 4:13Clement of Rome reflects on his own faults while pointing out the hypocrisy of blaming others for the same mistakes. Despite intending to go to Judæa, he faces delays in arranging his worldly affairs, leading him to contemplate the fleeting nature of life and the traps of false hope. Eventually, he ends up in Alexandria due to adverse winds, where he engages with philosophers who are familiar with the Son of God born in Judæa and His miraculous deeds.
An Obvious Miracle
By Ray Comfort0PRO 3:5PRO 16:3PRO 16:9MAT 28:19JAS 4:13Ray Comfort shares a personal experience of exhaustion and witnessing opportunities during his travels, including encounters with a comedian holding a duck and a movie producer on a plane. Through these interactions, he reflects on the importance of seizing moments to share the gospel and being open to God's leading in unexpected ways, even in the midst of weariness and uncertainty.
What Would You Do With Your Second Choice?
By John Follette0PSA 37:5PRO 16:9ISA 55:8ACT 16:6ROM 8:281CO 1:272CO 12:9EPH 3:20PHP 4:13JAS 4:13John Follette delivers a message of encouragement, emphasizing the importance of translating spiritual values into practical living and being open to God's redirection in our lives. Using the example of Paul's journey to Troas instead of Bithynia, he illustrates how God's plans may differ from our own, but ultimately lead to greater blessings and opportunities. He challenges listeners to have faith, patience, and obedience in the face of shattered dreams, trusting that God can turn our second or third choices into avenues for His glory.
Making Plans
By John Newton0PSA 37:4PRO 16:9PRO 19:21ISA 58:11JAS 4:13In August 1778, John Newton writes to a friend, expressing the uncertainties of life and the importance of aligning our plans with God's will, referencing James 4:13. He emphasizes the need to seek God's glory and our good in all our endeavors, acknowledging that only through God's will can true satisfaction and contentment be found. Newton urges for prayers for their upcoming meeting, highlighting the futility of pursuing empty endeavors without God's guidance and blessing.
Disappointment--What Is Necessary--God's Patience
By John Newton0PSA 37:5PSA 40:8PRO 3:5PRO 19:21ISA 55:8ROM 12:2GAL 2:20PHP 4:6JAS 4:13John Newton preaches about the importance of surrendering our own wills to God's guidance, highlighting how the Lord often disrupts our plans for our own good and to teach us reliance on Him. He emphasizes the need to trust in God's management even when it contradicts our desires, as His ways are higher and wiser than ours. Newton encourages a life of daily surrender to God's will, acknowledging that true happiness and contentment come from aligning our will with His and trusting in His providence.
Pressing On
By Mary Wilder Tileston0PSA 37:4PRO 19:21ROM 12:2PHP 3:13JAS 4:13Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the continuous pursuit of spiritual growth and improvement, emphasizing the importance of leaving past mistakes behind and focusing on progressing towards spiritual maturity. She highlights the power of pure desires, high hopes, and sincere aspirations in guiding individuals towards a life filled with love and divine purpose. Tileston encourages believers to wholeheartedly will and desire great things, even if they may seem unattainable, as their intentions and aspirations reflect their true essence. She reminds the audience that while human capabilities may be limited, the depth of one's will and desire can lead them closer to God, urging them to embrace contentment in their journey of spiritual growth and surrender to God's will.
God's Purpose Revealed
By Mary Wilder Tileston0PSA 37:72CO 4:11EPH 2:10JAS 4:131PE 2:9Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about how the challenges and struggles we face in our daily lives, when endured with patience and meekness, prepare our hearts to be dwelling places for God, allowing His sacred loveliness to shine through us. Arthur C. A. Hall emphasizes that God has a specific purpose, work, place, influence, and likeness to His Son for each of us to fulfill. F. W. Faber highlights the importance of living in the present moment to understand God's eternal purposes, as His will is revealed to us in small fragments that we must piece together to fulfill our calling.
Please the Lord Now
By Mary Wilder Tileston0LEV 9:42CO 6:2EPH 5:15PHP 3:13JAS 4:13Mary Wilder Tileston emphasizes the importance of seizing the present moment for spiritual growth and sanctification, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. She highlights the significance of small acts of obedience, love, self-restraint, meekness, and patience as opportunities to serve and please God. By focusing on sanctifying the present moment, individuals can sanctify their entire lives and experience true growth in holiness.
Michigan Tornadoes
By Martin Knapp0PRO 16:9ISA 55:8ACT 16:61CO 3:62CO 2:14HEB 11:8JAS 4:13Martin Knapp recounts the unexpected journey of Mr. Weber, who, despite plans to labor in California, was led by God to Marcellus, Michigan, sparking a powerful revival. The revival cyclone in Southern Michigan, White Pigeon, and Bronson led to hundreds of conversions and a lasting impact on the communities. The Coldwater Revival in Michigan witnessed nearly one thousand conversions in three years, with Brother Weber's powerful preaching and songs touching many lives and transforming the city. Testimonies of changed lives and remarkable conversions highlight the profound impact of Brother Weber's ministry, inspiring faith and perseverance in the face of opposition and doubt.
Our Knowledge Stands in the Way of Our Becoming Wise
By Francois Fenelon0PRO 3:5MAT 18:31CO 1:27PHP 2:3JAS 4:13Francois Fenelon preaches about the importance of living in peace without worrying about the future, as our lives truly belong to God and we must use them according to His will. He emphasizes the need to be detached from the world and to embrace lowliness, abandoning self and pride. Fenelon encourages simplicity in prayer, coming from pure love rather than intellect, and finding true wisdom in spoliation, deep recollection, and renouncing our own spirit.
Opportunity and Opposition
By Isaac Errett0PRO 16:9MAT 6:33ACT 14:271CO 16:92CO 2:12PHP 2:13COL 4:3JAS 4:13REV 3:7Isaac Errett preaches about the great and effectual doors that God opens for preaching the gospel, emphasizing the importance of seizing opportunities to share the Word. He highlights the providential openings granted by God for success in spreading the gospel, stressing the need for divine providence and human agency to work together. Errett discusses the significant opposition faced in the form of Roman Catholicism, rationalism, and the secular spirit of the age, which hinders missionary efforts. He calls for a revival of prayer, humility, and devotion to God's will to overcome selfishness and indifference in advancing the kingdom of God.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Go to now - Α γε νυν· Come now, the same in meaning as the Hebrew הבה habah, come, Gen 11:3, Gen 11:4, Gen 11:7. Come, and hear what I have to say, ye that say, etc. To-day, or to-morrow, we will go - This presumption on a precarious life is here well reproved; and the ancient Jewish rabbins have some things on the subject which probably St. James had in view. In Debarim Rabba, sec. 9, fol. 261, 1, we have the following little story; "Our rabbins tell us a story which happened in the days of Rabbi Simeon, the son of Chelpatha. He was present at the circumcision of a child, and stayed with its father to the entertainment. The father brought out wine for his guests that was seven years old, saying, With this wine will I continue for a long time to celebrate the birth of my new-born son. They continued supper till midnight. At that time Rabbi Simeon arose and went out, that he might return to the city in which he dwelt. On the way he saw the angel of death walking up and down. He said to him, Who art thou? He answered, I am the messenger of God. The rabbin said, Why wanderest thou about thus? He answered, I slay those persons who say, We will do this, or that, and think not how soon death may overpower them: that man with whom thou hast supped, and who said to his guests, With this wine will I continue for a long time to celebrate the birth of my new-born son, behold the end of his life is at hand, for he shall die within thirty days." By this parable they teach the necessity of considering the shortness and uncertainty of human life; and that God is particularly displeased with those ... "Who, counting on long years of pleasure here, Are quite unfurnished for a world to come." And continue there a year, and buy and sell - This was the custom of those ancient times; they traded from city to city, carrying their goods on the backs of camels. The Jews traded thus to Tyre, Sidon, Caesarea, Crete, Ephesus, Philippi, Thessalonica, Corinth, Rome, etc. And it is to this kind of itinerant mercantile life that St. James alludes. See at the end of this chapter, (Jam 4:17 (note)).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Go to now--"Come now"; said to excite attention. ye that say--boasting of the morrow. To-day or to-morrow--as if ye had the free choice of either day as a certainty. Others read, "To-day and to-morrow." such a city--literally, "this the city" (namely, the one present to the mind of the speaker). This city here. continue . . . a year--rather, "spend one year." Their language implies that when this one year is out, they purpose similarly settling plans for to come [BENGEL]. buy and sell--Their plans for the future are all worldly.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Go to now, ye that say,.... The apostle passes from exposing the sin of detraction, and rash judgment, to inveigh against those of presumption and self-confidence; and the phrase, "go to now", is a note of transition, as well as of attention, and contains the form of a solemn and grave address to persons, who either think within themselves, or vocally express, the following words, or the like unto them: today, or tomorrow, we will go into such a city; in such a country, a place of great trade and merchandise; as Tyre then was in Phoenicia, Thessalonica in Macedonia, Ephesus in Asia, and others: some render this as an imperative, or as an exhortation, "let us go", which does not alter the sense. And continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain; as is customary for merchants to do; nor does the apostle design by this to condemn merchandise, and the lawful practice of buying and selling, and getting gain; but that men should not resolve upon those things without consulting God, and attending to his will, and subjecting themselves to it; and without considering the uncertainty and frailty of human life; as well as should not promise and assure themselves of success, of getting gain and riches, as if those things were in their own power, and had no dependence upon the providence and blessing of God.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:13-16 Itinerant merchants depended on personal assertiveness as a solution to their poverty and low social status. James urges greater recognition of God’s providence and warns against arrogantly planning events which one cannot really control.