James 4:15
Verse
Context
Do Not Boast about Tomorrow
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.15Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.”16As it is, you boast in your proud intentions. All such boasting is evil.
Sermons




Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For that ye ought to say - Αντι τοι λεγειν ὑμας· Instead of saying, or instead of which ye should say, If the Lord will, we shall live - I think St. James had another example from the rabbins in view, which is produced by Drusius, Gregory, Cartwright, and Schoettgen, on this clause: "The bride went up to her chamber, not knowing what was to befall her there." On which there is this comment: "No man should ever say that he will do this or that, without the condition If God Will. A certain man said, 'To-morrow shall I sit with my bride in my chamber, and there shall rejoice with her.' To which some standing by said, אם גוזר השם im gozer hashshem, 'If the Lord will.' To which he answered, 'Whether the Lord will or not, to-morrow will I sit with my bride in my chamber.' He did so; he went with his bride into his chamber, and at night they lay down; but they both died, antequam illam cognosceret." It is not improbable that St. James refers to this case, as he uses the same phraseology. On this subject I shall quote another passage which I read when a schoolboy, and which even then taught me a lesson of caution and of respect for the providence of God. It may be found in Lucian, in the piece entitled, Χαρων, η επισκοπουντες, c. 6: Επι δειπνον, οιμαι, κληθεις ὑπο τινος των φιλων ες την ὑστεραιαν, μαλιστα ἡξω, εφη· και μεταξυ λεγοντος, απο του τεγους κεραμις επιπεσουσα, ουκ οιδ' ὁτου κινησαντος, απεκτεινεν αυτον· εγελασα ουν, ουκ επιτελεσαντος την ὑποσχεσιν. "A man was invited by one of his friends to come the next day to supper. I will certainly come, said he. In the mean time a tile fell from a house, I knew not who threw it, and killed him. I therefore laughed at him for not fulfilling his engagement." It is often said Fas est et ab hoste doceri, " we should learn even from our enemies." Take heed, Christian, that this heathen buffoon laugh thee not out of countenance.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Literally, "instead of your saying," &c. This refers to "ye that say" (Jam 4:13). we shall live--The best manuscripts read, "We shall both live and do," &c. The boasters spoke as if life, action, and the particular kind of action were in their power, whereas all three depend entirely on the will of the Lord.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For that ye ought to say,.... Instead of saying we will go to such and such a place, and do this, and that, and the other thing, it should be said, if the Lord will, and we shall live, and do this and that; the last "and" is left out in the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions; and the passage rendered thus, "if the Lord will, and we shall live, we will do this": so that here are two conditions of doing anything; the one is, if it should be agreeable to the determining will and purpose of God, by which everything in the world comes to pass, and into which the wills of men should be resolved, and resigned; and the other is, if we should live, since life is so very uncertain and precarious: and the sense is, not that this exact form of words should be always used, but what is equivalent to them, or, at least, that there should be always a sense of these things upon the mind; and there should be a view to them in all resolutions, designs, and engagements: and since the words are so short and comprehensive, it might be proper for Christians to use themselves to such a way of speaking; upon all occasions; we find it used by the Apostle Paul frequently, as in Act 18:2, and even by Jews, Heathens, and Turks. It is a saying of Ben Syra, the Jew (p), "let a man never say he will do anything, before he says , "if God will"'' So Cyrus, king of Persia, when, under pretence of hunting, he designed an expedition into Armenia, upon which an hare started, and was caught by an eagle, said to his friends, this will be a good or prosperous hunting to us, , "if God will" (q). And very remarkable are the words of Socrates to Alcibiades, inquiring of him how he ought to speak; says Socrates, , "if God will" (r); and says he, in another place (s), "but I will do this, and come unto thee tomorrow, "if God will".'' And it is reported of the Turks (t), that they submit everything to the divine will; as the success of war, or a journey, or anything, even of the least moment, they desire to be done; and never promise themselves, or others, anything, but under this condition, "In Shallah", if God will. (p) Sentent. 11. (q) Xenophon. Cyropaed. l. 2. c. 25. (r) Plato in Aleibiade, p. 135. (s) Plato in Laches. (t) Smith de Moribus Turc. p. 74.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:15 The Lord has authority over life and death (Deut 32:39; 1 Sam 2:6; Matt 10:28).
James 4:15
Do Not Boast about Tomorrow
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.15Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.”16As it is, you boast in your proud intentions. All such boasting is evil.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Education for Exultation) the Isaac Factor
By John Piper2.4K35:10IsaacMAT 6:33MAT 19:24ROM 9:6JAS 4:15In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Gideon from Judges 7 and how God reduced his army from 10,000 to 300 in order to show His power and prevent Israel from boasting in their own strength. The preacher emphasizes that God's ultimate goal is not to make much of us, but to enable us to find joy in making much of Him. The sermon then transitions to the story of Isaac, Abraham, and Sarah, highlighting the faith and trust they had in God's promises. The preacher encourages Christians to cherish and praise God for His grace and salvation, and to let this transformative truth impact every aspect of their lives.
There's a Lion in the Streets
By Jack Hyles1.0K52:23SatanGEN 22:13PRO 22:13PRO 26:13ISA 31:4MAT 6:33JAS 4:15JAS 4:17In this sermon, the speaker shares personal anecdotes and encourages listeners to overcome obstacles in their spiritual journey. He emphasizes the importance of taking action and not waiting for the perfect conditions to follow God's calling. The speaker also references a verse from Proverbs about the lazy man who uses the excuse of a lion in the street to avoid taking a journey. He concludes by affirming that a spirit-filled child of God can overcome any obstacle, including the metaphorical lions in their path.
Onto Jerusalem
By Steve Gallagher65752:10PSA 37:23PRO 16:9JER 29:11ACT 21:14ACT 22:14ROM 8:281CO 9:22JAS 4:15This sermon delves into the events in Acts 21 and 22, focusing on Paul's journey to Jerusalem, the tensions between Jews and Gentiles, and the unfolding of God's will in Paul's life despite challenges and misunderstandings. It highlights the importance of staying in God's will and the profound impact of being in His presence.
Hidden Treasure & Strange Gods & Mountain Peaks - Part 1
By Bakht Singh4471:13:57Christian LifeISA 55:9MRK 16:15ACT 20:361CO 2:92CO 10:4EPH 3:20JAS 4:15In this sermon transcript, the speaker begins by praising and adoring God for his goodness, mercy, and unchanging love. They express gratitude for the opportunity to serve as witnesses and messengers of God's grand purpose in saving humanity. The speaker also acknowledges the help and protection received during their time abroad and asks for continued guidance and preparation for an upcoming occasion. The sermon emphasizes the importance of sharing experiences and testimonies and ends with a prayer for God's presence and accompaniment.
Qualifications of the Followers of Jesus - Part 3
By Loran Helm25845:00JesusPSA 34:1PRO 3:5MAT 19:14JAS 4:15In this sermon, Reverend Lauren Helm shares personal anecdotes and experiences to emphasize the importance of obedience to God's will. He recounts a story of a car accident where he chose to praise God instead of complaining, highlighting the need to trust in God's provision. He also shares the story of a woman who passionately pleaded for obedience to God's will before passing away, urging the congregation to follow her example. Reverend Helm then describes a situation where a young boy's faith inspired others to seek Jesus, emphasizing the importance of childlike faith. He concludes by celebrating the miraculous healing of his son and encouraging the congregation to give all the praise and glory to God. Throughout the sermon, Reverend Helm emphasizes the power of God's grace and the joy that comes from following His will.
Isaiah 14:24
By Chuck Smith0Purpose of PrayerGod's SovereigntyPSA 33:11PRO 19:21ISA 14:24JER 29:11MAT 6:10ROM 8:28EPH 1:111TH 5:16JAS 4:152PE 3:9Chuck Smith emphasizes that God's purposes are unchangeable and will ultimately prevail, regardless of the moral decay seen in society today. He discusses how God has established specific purposes for nations and individuals, and while these purposes may be delayed, they will not be disannulled. Smith highlights the importance of prayer, noting that it does not change God's plans but opens the door for His will to be accomplished. He reassures that God's loving purpose for each person is for their highest good, urging individuals to align their will with God's. The sermon calls for recognition of God's sovereignty and the necessity of seeking His will in our lives.
Christ's Meat the Will of God.
By Watchman Nee0Divine CooperationDoing God's WillPSA 40:8MAT 8:3JHN 4:34ROM 12:2EPH 6:6PHP 2:13COL 3:231TH 5:16HEB 10:7JAS 4:15Watchman Nee emphasizes the importance of aligning our will with God's will, as demonstrated by Christ's commitment to fulfilling the Father's purpose. He illustrates that true sustenance comes from actively doing God's will rather than merely discussing it, highlighting that our will must be set to cooperate with God's. Nee encourages believers to continually ask, 'What is God's will?' instead of focusing on personal desires, asserting that this alignment empowers us to act in faith and authority against spiritual opposition. The sermon underscores that our active choice to do God's will is essential for experiencing His divine plan in our lives.
Of Resignation to the Will of God.
By John Gill0Resignation to God's WillDivine Sovereignty1SA 3:182SA 15:25JOB 1:21PSA 46:10JER 18:12LAM 3:27JHN 5:40ACT 21:14JAS 4:151PE 5:6John Gill emphasizes the necessity of resigning our will to God's will, particularly during difficult times, as a true expression of faith and self-denial. He illustrates this through biblical examples like Eli and David, who accepted God's will without complaint. Gill explains that human will is often stubborn and resistant to God's authority, requiring divine grace to bring it into submission. He encourages believers to embrace God's sovereignty and goodness in all circumstances, asserting that true peace comes from acknowledging God's hand in our lives. Ultimately, Gill calls for a heart that willingly submits to God's plans, reflecting the perfect example of Christ's submission in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Filial Faith
By Miles J. Stanford0MRK 11:24JHN 7:38ROM 8:27COL 1:9JAS 4:15Miles J. Stanford emphasizes the importance of aligning our prayers with the will of God, just as Jesus and the Holy Spirit always did. He explains that true faith is not about possessing power to manipulate God but rather having absolute confidence in God's wisdom and will. Stanford encourages believers to have certainty in God's purpose and to stand in faith, trusting that transformation will come in His perfect timing. He highlights that any circumstance leading us to seek Jesus is a blessing, as it deepens our fellowship with Him.
Although the Life of a Monk
By St. Benedict of Nursia0PSA 37:5PRO 3:6PRO 16:3PRO 16:91CO 10:31EPH 5:10PHP 2:13COL 3:231TH 1:6JAS 4:15St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of observing Lent with purity and diligence, urging the brethren to cleanse themselves of negligence through prayer, tears, reading, compunction of heart, and abstinence. He encourages increasing spiritual practices during Lent, such as private prayers and fasting, to offer God something beyond the usual measure. St. Benedict advises seeking the Abbot's approval for any additional offerings during this time to avoid presumption and vainglory.
Paradise
By W.R. Inge0GEN 2:16MAT 6:10ROM 12:2JAS 4:151JN 2:17W.R. Inge delves into the concept of Paradise, describing it as encompassing all things that are good and pleasant, akin to an outer court of heaven. He draws parallels between this world being an outer court of eternity, with temporal things serving as guides to God and eternity. In this perspective, the world can be seen as a Paradise where all things are permissible except self-will, which goes against the eternal Will.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For that ye ought to say - Αντι τοι λεγειν ὑμας· Instead of saying, or instead of which ye should say, If the Lord will, we shall live - I think St. James had another example from the rabbins in view, which is produced by Drusius, Gregory, Cartwright, and Schoettgen, on this clause: "The bride went up to her chamber, not knowing what was to befall her there." On which there is this comment: "No man should ever say that he will do this or that, without the condition If God Will. A certain man said, 'To-morrow shall I sit with my bride in my chamber, and there shall rejoice with her.' To which some standing by said, אם גוזר השם im gozer hashshem, 'If the Lord will.' To which he answered, 'Whether the Lord will or not, to-morrow will I sit with my bride in my chamber.' He did so; he went with his bride into his chamber, and at night they lay down; but they both died, antequam illam cognosceret." It is not improbable that St. James refers to this case, as he uses the same phraseology. On this subject I shall quote another passage which I read when a schoolboy, and which even then taught me a lesson of caution and of respect for the providence of God. It may be found in Lucian, in the piece entitled, Χαρων, η επισκοπουντες, c. 6: Επι δειπνον, οιμαι, κληθεις ὑπο τινος των φιλων ες την ὑστεραιαν, μαλιστα ἡξω, εφη· και μεταξυ λεγοντος, απο του τεγους κεραμις επιπεσουσα, ουκ οιδ' ὁτου κινησαντος, απεκτεινεν αυτον· εγελασα ουν, ουκ επιτελεσαντος την ὑποσχεσιν. "A man was invited by one of his friends to come the next day to supper. I will certainly come, said he. In the mean time a tile fell from a house, I knew not who threw it, and killed him. I therefore laughed at him for not fulfilling his engagement." It is often said Fas est et ab hoste doceri, " we should learn even from our enemies." Take heed, Christian, that this heathen buffoon laugh thee not out of countenance.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Literally, "instead of your saying," &c. This refers to "ye that say" (Jam 4:13). we shall live--The best manuscripts read, "We shall both live and do," &c. The boasters spoke as if life, action, and the particular kind of action were in their power, whereas all three depend entirely on the will of the Lord.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For that ye ought to say,.... Instead of saying we will go to such and such a place, and do this, and that, and the other thing, it should be said, if the Lord will, and we shall live, and do this and that; the last "and" is left out in the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions; and the passage rendered thus, "if the Lord will, and we shall live, we will do this": so that here are two conditions of doing anything; the one is, if it should be agreeable to the determining will and purpose of God, by which everything in the world comes to pass, and into which the wills of men should be resolved, and resigned; and the other is, if we should live, since life is so very uncertain and precarious: and the sense is, not that this exact form of words should be always used, but what is equivalent to them, or, at least, that there should be always a sense of these things upon the mind; and there should be a view to them in all resolutions, designs, and engagements: and since the words are so short and comprehensive, it might be proper for Christians to use themselves to such a way of speaking; upon all occasions; we find it used by the Apostle Paul frequently, as in Act 18:2, and even by Jews, Heathens, and Turks. It is a saying of Ben Syra, the Jew (p), "let a man never say he will do anything, before he says , "if God will"'' So Cyrus, king of Persia, when, under pretence of hunting, he designed an expedition into Armenia, upon which an hare started, and was caught by an eagle, said to his friends, this will be a good or prosperous hunting to us, , "if God will" (q). And very remarkable are the words of Socrates to Alcibiades, inquiring of him how he ought to speak; says Socrates, , "if God will" (r); and says he, in another place (s), "but I will do this, and come unto thee tomorrow, "if God will".'' And it is reported of the Turks (t), that they submit everything to the divine will; as the success of war, or a journey, or anything, even of the least moment, they desire to be done; and never promise themselves, or others, anything, but under this condition, "In Shallah", if God will. (p) Sentent. 11. (q) Xenophon. Cyropaed. l. 2. c. 25. (r) Plato in Aleibiade, p. 135. (s) Plato in Laches. (t) Smith de Moribus Turc. p. 74.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:15 The Lord has authority over life and death (Deut 32:39; 1 Sam 2:6; Matt 10:28).