James 4:17
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
To him that knoweth to do good - As if he had said: After this warning none of you can plead ignorance; if, therefore, any of you shall be found to act their ungodly part, not acknowledging the Divine providence, the uncertainty of life, and the necessity of standing every moment prepared to meet God - as you will have the greater sin, you will infallibly get the greater punishment. This may be applied to all who know better than they act. He who does not the Master's will because he does not know it, will be beaten with few stripes; but he who knows it and does not do it, shall be beaten with many; Luk 12:47, Luk 12:48. St. James may have the Christians in view who were converted from Judaism to Christianity. They had much more light and religious knowledge than the Jews had; and God would require a proportionable improvement from them. 1. Saady, a celebrated Persian poet, in his Gulistan, gives us a remarkable example of this going from city to city to buy and sell, and get gain. "I knew," says he, "a merchant who used to travel with a hundred camels laden with merchandise, and who had forty slaves in his employ. This person took me one day to his warehouse, and entertained me a long time with conversation good for nothing. 'I have,' said he, 'such a partner in Turquestan; such and such property in India; a bond for so much cash in such a province; a security for such another sum.' Then, changing the subject, he said, 'I purpose to go and settle at Alexandria, because the air of that city is salubrious.' Correcting himself, he said, 'No, I will not go to Alexandria; the African sea (the Mediterranean) is too dangerous. But I will make another voyage; and after that I will retire into some quiet corner of the world, and give up a mercantile life.' I asked him (says Saady) what voyage he intended to make. He answered, 'I intend to take brimstone to Persia and China, where I am informed it brings a good price; from China I shall take porcelain to Greece; from Greece I shall take gold tissue to India; from India I shall carry steel to Haleb (Aleppo); from Haleb I shall carry glass to Yemen (Arabia Felix); and from Yemen I shall carry printed goods to Persia. When this is accomplished I shall bid farewell to the mercantile life, which requires so many troublesome journeys, and spend the rest of my life in a shop.' He said so much on this subject, till at last he wearied himself with talking; then turning to me he said, 'I entreat thee, Saady, to relate to me something of what thou hast seen and heard in thy travels.' I answered, Hast thou never heard what a traveler said, who fell from his camel in the desert of Joor? Two things only can fill the eye of a covetous man - contentment, or the earth that is cast on him when laid in his grave." This is an instructive story, and is taken from real life. In this very way, to those same places and with the above specified goods, trade is carried on to this day in the Levant. And often the same person takes all these journeys, and even more. We learn also from it that a covetous man is restless and unhappy, and that to avarice there are no bounds. This account properly illustrates that to which St. James refers: To-day or to-morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain. 2. Providence is God's government of the world; he who properly trusts in Divine providence trusts in God; and he who expects God's direction and help must walk uprightly before him; for it is absurd to expect God to be our friend if we continue to be his enemy. 3. That man walks most safely who has the least confidence in himself. True magnanimity keeps God continually in view. He appoints it its work, and furnishes discretion and power; and its chief excellence consists in being a resolute worker together with him. Pride ever sinks where humility swims; for that man who abases himself God will exalt. To know that we are dependent creatures is well; to feel it, and to act suitably, is still better.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The general principle illustrated by the particular example just discussed is here stated: knowledge without practice is imputed to a man as great and presumptuous sin. James reverts to the principle with which he started. Nothing more injures the soul than wasted impressions. Feelings exhaust themselves and evaporate, if not embodied in practice. As we will not act except we feel, so if we will not act out our feelings, we shall soon cease to feel. Next: James Chapter 5
John Gill Bible Commentary
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good,.... This may regard not only the last particular of referring all things to the will of God, the sovereign disposer of life, and all events, which some might have the knowledge of in theory, though they did not practise according to it; but all the good things the apostle had exhorted to, and the contrary to which he had warned from, in this epistle; and suggests, that a Gnostic, or one that knows the will of God, in the several branches of it, revealed in his word, and doth it not, to him it is sin: it is a greater sin; it is an aggravated one; it is criminal in him that is ignorant of what is good, and does that which is evil, nor shall he escape punishment; but it is much more wicked in a man that knows what is right and good, and ought to be done, and does it not, but that which is evil, and his condemnation will be greater; see Luk 12:47. The omission of a known duty, as well as the commission of a known sin, is criminal. Next: James Chapter 5
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:17 Remember: This verse is probably a maxim that James expected his readers to recognize. Its source is unknown, but it is consistent with the teaching of Scripture (cp. Deut 24:15; Prov 3:27-28; Matt 25:41-46; Luke 12:47).
James 4:17
Do Not Boast about Tomorrow
16As it is, you boast in your proud intentions. All such boasting is evil.17Anyone, then, who knows the right thing to do, yet fails to do it, is guilty of sin.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(First Baptist Church) #4 - the Welsh Revival of 1904-05
By J. Edwin Orr5.1K22:48Welsh RevivalISA 64:8MAT 7:7MAT 28:19ACT 5:29ROM 10:9JAS 4:171JN 1:9In this sermon transcript, the speaker discusses the impact of a revival on the community and the role of the police during this time. The speaker shares that before the revival, the police's main job was to prevent crime and control crowds, but since the revival, there has been practically no crime. The speaker also mentions that the churches are now packed every night, and if any church wants a quartet to sing, they notify the police. The sermon also highlights the story of Evan Roberts, a young man who prayed for God to use him to bring 100,000 souls to Christ, and within five months, there were 100,000 conversions.
A Look at the Puritan Through Puritan Eyes
By J.I. Packer4.6K48:49ROM 14:51CO 10:31EPH 5:15COL 2:81TI 4:12JAS 4:171PE 2:9In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Carter, who played a central role in the next chapter of the story. The sermon is divided into three paragraphs: the leaders, the arguments, and the activities of the Puritan Presbyterianising movement. The speaker mentions that Carter and Field were imprisoned for writing a seditious document, which will be discussed in more detail in the next class. The sermon also mentions Elizabeth instructing Parker to enforce conformity in the Church of England, leading to some clergymen being deprived of their living for refusing to comply.
The Sin of Silence
By Laurence White3.6K42:51EXO 20:3ISA 58:1EZK 33:6MAT 5:13ROM 13:3EPH 6:10JAS 4:17In this sermon, the speaker urges Christians in America to take action against evil and fight for righteousness. He references the story of the White Rose, a group of university students in Munich who resisted the Hitler regime, as an example of the courage and faith needed in times of trial. The speaker emphasizes the importance of using the current moment, or "kairos," as an opportunity to serve God and preserve the legacy of faith and freedom. He also criticizes the lack of moral leadership in politics and calls for a return to righteousness and justice in the nation's business.
Sin Is Little Thought About!
By Erwin Lutzer2.2K08:06PSA 51:5PRO 14:12ISA 59:2ROM 3:23ROM 6:23EPH 2:1JAS 4:171JN 1:8This sermon delves into the diminishing acknowledgment of sin in today's society, emphasizing the critical impact of having a correct understanding of sin on our identity and perception of God's grace. It contrasts the world's trivialization of sin with the Bible's depiction of human nature as spiritually dead without Christ, highlighting the need for a proper diagnosis of sin to receive God's deliverance and grace.
Defective Consecration - Part 2
By Manley Beasley2.1K17:31ConsecrationMAT 6:33LUK 9:23ROM 6:162CO 5:17EPH 4:27JAS 4:171JN 1:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of yielding all aspects of our lives to Jesus. He uses the analogy of owning a piece of land, where if we give 39 acres to God but keep one acre for ourselves, the devil still has a foothold in our lives. The preacher urges the congregation to keep their obedience up to date and to address any known sins in their lives. He also mentions the need for moral change and shares a story about a woman who was freed from something but doesn't explicitly mention what it was. The sermon concludes with a call to worship and surrender all to Jesus.
Crisis-02 Crisis of Consistency
By Stephen Olford1.9K51:29LUK 2:49JHN 4:34GAL 5:23JAS 4:17In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the crisis of consistency in the lives of believers. He begins by referencing James 4:13-17, where James warns against making plans without acknowledging God's will. The preacher emphasizes the importance of having a belief that behaves, meaning that faith should be accompanied by actions. He also highlights the dangers of worldliness and the need to resist conforming to the ways of the world. The sermon concludes with a reminder that failing to do good when we know we should is considered sin.
One Lion; Two Lions; No Lion at All
By C.H. Spurgeon1.9K42:00Overcoming ExcusesSlothfulnessPRO 22:13ECC 9:10MAT 11:28ROM 12:111CO 15:58PHP 4:13COL 3:232TH 3:10HEB 12:1JAS 4:17C.H. Spurgeon addresses the issue of slothfulness, using the metaphor of lions to illustrate the excuses people make to avoid taking action, particularly in their spiritual lives. He emphasizes that the slothful man creates imaginary fears, such as lions in the streets, to justify his laziness and procrastination in coming to Christ. Spurgeon warns that delaying one's commitment to God only leads to more difficulties, as the 'lions' multiply with time. Ultimately, he encourages listeners to recognize that there are no real obstacles preventing them from seeking salvation, urging them to act decisively and trust in God's grace.
The Greatest Revival
By J. Edwin Orr1.8K1:18:11RevivalPSA 34:18MAT 18:20JHN 4:24ACT 5:32ROM 10:9JAS 4:171JN 1:9In this sermon, Evan Roberts and his brother Dan return home and find their mother weeping because she feels spiritually inadequate compared to her sons. They pray and sing hymns together, and that night at a meeting, a breakthrough occurs. Evan Roberts is so passionate about preaching that he is willing to pay God for the privilege. He seeks guidance from Principal Phillips and is encouraged to follow the voice urging him to speak to young people. The sermon emphasizes the importance of commitment to living a holy life and the need for the power of the Holy Spirit in conjunction with this commitment.
Why Revival Tarries - Part 6
By Henry Blackaby1.8K06:58JAS 4:17This sermon emphasizes the importance of focusing on nurturing and ministering to God's people rather than solely being consumed with reaching the lost. It highlights the need for pastors to invest in the spiritual growth and relationships of their congregation, guiding them to a vital relationship with Christ. The message calls for repentance and a commitment to teaching God's Word as Jesus did, believing that through transformed lives, revival can impact the world.
Despising a Holy God
By Art Katz1.6K56:09RepentanceSinDespising2SA 12:10PSA 51:4PRO 28:13ISA 59:2EZK 18:30MAT 5:29ROM 3:23HEB 10:26JAS 4:171JN 1:9Art Katz emphasizes the gravity of sin as an offense against a holy God, drawing from Psalm 51:4 where David acknowledges his transgressions. He argues that until we recognize sin as evil and understand its true nature as rebellion against God, our repentance remains superficial. Katz highlights that every sin, regardless of its outward appearance, is a direct affront to God's holiness and authority, and he warns against the complacency that leads to despising God's commandments. The sermon calls for a deep, heartfelt acknowledgment of our sins and a return to a genuine fear of the Lord, recognizing the severe consequences of our actions against Him. Ultimately, Katz urges believers to confront their indifference and to seek true repentance that reflects an understanding of the holiness of God.
(Early Anabaptism) Foundation Stones in the Anabaptist Faith
By Denny Kenaston1.6K1:18:26AnabaptismJOL 2:13MAT 7:21MAT 28:19ROM 1:16ROM 10:14JAS 1:22JAS 4:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of evangelism and spreading the word of God. He shares the example of Medo Simon's dedication to preaching the gospel in various circumstances, even in the face of persecution. The preacher calls for repentance and a turning away from worldly pleasures, urging the audience to recognize the seriousness of the message being delivered. He expresses a desire for the restoration of primitive Christianity in the present day and highlights the contrast between the early Christians' willingness to separate from the world and the current tendency to embrace worldly pleasures.
Leonard Ravenhill on Wotm Radio Program
By Compilations1.6K03:07MAT 7:21MAT 16:26MAT 25:21MRK 8:36LUK 9:23JHN 14:15PHP 2:171TI 6:5JAS 4:17This sermon emphasizes the importance of sacrificial living and true devotion to God over material prosperity. It challenges believers to focus on eternal impact rather than temporary gains, highlighting the significance of selfless sacrifice and obedience in the Christian walk. The speaker warns against complacency and the danger of living a life without actively pursuing God's will, stressing the eternal consequences of neglecting spiritual growth and service.
The Great Evil of All Sin - Part 2
By Richard Owen Roberts1.6K18:38EXO 33:162SA 12:1PSA 51:4PRO 28:13ROM 3:23ROM 6:231CO 10:31JAS 4:171JN 1:9This sermon delves into the concept of sin and its roots, emphasizing that all individuals are born as sinners and children of the devil, not as children of God. It explores the story of David's sin and his acknowledgment that his transgressions were ultimately against God. The sermon highlights the profound impact of sin on our relationship with God, underscoring that every sin, regardless of its nature, is ultimately against God's sovereign right and a theft of His glory.
Christians and Law Courts
By Paris Reidhead1.5K43:39EthicsDAN 7:22MAT 6:33MAT 19:18ROM 12:21CO 6:1JAS 4:17REV 3:20In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of Christians taking their disputes to secular courts instead of resolving them within the church. The speaker emphasizes that this behavior not only demeans the Christians involved but also reflects poorly on the justice within the Christian community and on Jesus Christ himself. The speaker urges the believers to instead seek judgment from respected individuals within the church. The sermon concludes with the reminder that the actions of a few individuals can impact the testimony, life, and ministry of the entire Christian community.
Out of the Heart Proceed Evil Thoughts
By Joshua Daniel1.4K14:30Evil ThoughtsMAT 6:33MAT 7:3MRK 4:17MRK 7:20LUK 8:15LUK 12:2JAS 4:17In this sermon, Joshua Daniel discusses the topic of persecution faced by Christians and the challenges they encounter. He highlights the subtle forms of persecution, such as being cold-shouldered or mocked, as well as more severe forms, like being cut off from support and resources. Daniel also addresses the influence of media, particularly television, and the negative impact it can have on our thoughts and actions. He emphasizes the need to guard our minds against immoral practices and encourages listeners to seek improvement in their families by removing negative influences. The sermon references the Bible, specifically Mark 4 and Jeremiah 23, to support the message of the corrupt nature of man's heart and the consequences of sinful behavior.
The Man God Hates
By Chuck Smith1.3K32:47EZK 5:13LUK 12:47JAS 4:17This sermon delves into the book of Ezekiel, focusing on the impending destruction of Jerusalem due to the people's wickedness and departure from God's laws. It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging sin, the reality of God's judgment, and the need for repentance and turning back to God. The message contrasts the popular 'feel-good' gospel with the biblical truth of God's justice and the consequences of willful disobedience. It calls for a return to biblical correctness over political correctness, urging listeners to heed God's warnings and accept Jesus for salvation.
Fellowship in the Light
By Zac Poonen1.2K19:50PRO 8:34MAT 5:3ROM 4:15ROM 14:23JAS 4:17This sermon emphasizes the importance of true obedience to God's Word, highlighting the need to address sin by its worst name to achieve victory over it. It delves into the concept of poverty of spirit as the key to unlocking spiritual treasures and entering the kingdom of heaven, contrasting false humility with genuine honesty before God. The message stresses the significance of continuous progress in spiritual growth and the humility to acknowledge personal need for God's grace moment by moment.
False Complacency - Part 1
By Joshua Daniel1.2K25:40ISA 29:13MAT 5:21MAT 28:19JAS 4:17REV 3:14This sermon emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and spiritual precision in our walk with God, highlighting the need to accurately assess our spiritual state and not be lukewarm or self-satisfied. It challenges the listener to seek a deeper relationship with Jesus and avoid spiritual deadness by focusing on eternal matters. The message also touches on the significance of fulfilling the command to spread the good news and build the kingdom of God, rather than being complacent or feeling self-sufficient.
Deferred Obedience 1 - Part 3
By Joshua Daniel1.2K09:42PRO 1:32ISA 43:25JOL 2:13MAT 18:12JAS 4:17This sermon emphasizes the importance of not deferring obedience to God's will, highlighting the tragic consequences of neglecting the lost and the vulnerable. It addresses societal issues like alcoholism, greed, and the impact of dysfunctional families on individuals and communities. The speaker urges repentance, seeking God's mercy, and taking responsibility for our actions to prevent further harm and destruction.
Becoming a Friend of God
By Brian Long1.2K35:18Friend Of GodGEN 18:16GEN 22:1JHN 15:9JAS 4:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of obedience rooted in faith and motivated by love. He highlights the need to examine our actions and motivations, not just focusing on what we don't do, but also on the good we ought to do. The preacher references the story of Abraham as an example of faith in action, specifically pointing to the test where God commanded Abraham to offer his son Isaac as a burnt offering. The sermon concludes with a call to love others as Jesus loves sinners and to respond to God's calling with faith and obedience.
Conscience Void of Offense
By Edsel Troutmann1.2K56:48ConsciencePSA 51:4MAT 6:33ROM 14:19GAL 6:1JAS 4:171JN 1:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of getting saved at a young age to avoid the consequences of sin later in life. He believes that everyone has a responsibility to correct the negative effects of their sins on others. The preacher also criticizes the idea of relying solely on logic and scripture to determine someone's conversion, instead of the guidance of the Holy Spirit. He highlights the need for individuals to not only seek forgiveness from God but also to forgive themselves and confess their sins to others.
The Sin of Being Unloving (Telugu)
By Zac Poonen1.1K50:37PSA 16:11ISA 1:16MAT 8:10MAT 22:37MAT 22:39MAT 23:33LUK 10:292TI 2:19JAS 4:17This sermon emphasizes the importance of having a strong foundation in God, highlighting the need to abstain from wickedness and run away from sin as a mark of being God's people. It discusses the significance of loving God with all our heart and loving others as ourselves, as the core commandments of the Bible. The speaker delves into the sin of inaction, stressing the need to act in love towards others and to continually strive to identify and eliminate sin in our lives to become more like Jesus.
Sin Is Heavy
By Tim Conway1.0K01:13PSA 38:4PRO 28:13EZK 18:20ROM 3:23ROM 6:23GAL 6:7HEB 12:1JAS 4:171PE 2:241JN 1:9This sermon emphasizes the weight of sin, highlighting how each sin adds to the burden and leads to a rotten foundation beneath us. It warns against neglecting God, hardness of heart, idolatry, disobedience, and despising God, as these actions only increase the weight of sin. The message cautions that even in apparent security, there are areas that will not hold, and God has ways to address the wicked, even in their prime health.
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.
The Great Deception
By Chuck Smith99612:05EZK 33:31MAT 21:28LUK 12:48ROM 2:17GAL 6:1JAS 1:22JAS 4:17This sermon focuses on the importance of not only hearing the Word of God but also obeying it. It highlights the tendency of people to show love with their mouths but have hearts that chase after worldly desires, emphasizing the need for genuine obedience. The message draws parallels between the disobedience of the people in Ezekiel's time and the call for believers today to be doers of the Word, not just hearers.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
To him that knoweth to do good - As if he had said: After this warning none of you can plead ignorance; if, therefore, any of you shall be found to act their ungodly part, not acknowledging the Divine providence, the uncertainty of life, and the necessity of standing every moment prepared to meet God - as you will have the greater sin, you will infallibly get the greater punishment. This may be applied to all who know better than they act. He who does not the Master's will because he does not know it, will be beaten with few stripes; but he who knows it and does not do it, shall be beaten with many; Luk 12:47, Luk 12:48. St. James may have the Christians in view who were converted from Judaism to Christianity. They had much more light and religious knowledge than the Jews had; and God would require a proportionable improvement from them. 1. Saady, a celebrated Persian poet, in his Gulistan, gives us a remarkable example of this going from city to city to buy and sell, and get gain. "I knew," says he, "a merchant who used to travel with a hundred camels laden with merchandise, and who had forty slaves in his employ. This person took me one day to his warehouse, and entertained me a long time with conversation good for nothing. 'I have,' said he, 'such a partner in Turquestan; such and such property in India; a bond for so much cash in such a province; a security for such another sum.' Then, changing the subject, he said, 'I purpose to go and settle at Alexandria, because the air of that city is salubrious.' Correcting himself, he said, 'No, I will not go to Alexandria; the African sea (the Mediterranean) is too dangerous. But I will make another voyage; and after that I will retire into some quiet corner of the world, and give up a mercantile life.' I asked him (says Saady) what voyage he intended to make. He answered, 'I intend to take brimstone to Persia and China, where I am informed it brings a good price; from China I shall take porcelain to Greece; from Greece I shall take gold tissue to India; from India I shall carry steel to Haleb (Aleppo); from Haleb I shall carry glass to Yemen (Arabia Felix); and from Yemen I shall carry printed goods to Persia. When this is accomplished I shall bid farewell to the mercantile life, which requires so many troublesome journeys, and spend the rest of my life in a shop.' He said so much on this subject, till at last he wearied himself with talking; then turning to me he said, 'I entreat thee, Saady, to relate to me something of what thou hast seen and heard in thy travels.' I answered, Hast thou never heard what a traveler said, who fell from his camel in the desert of Joor? Two things only can fill the eye of a covetous man - contentment, or the earth that is cast on him when laid in his grave." This is an instructive story, and is taken from real life. In this very way, to those same places and with the above specified goods, trade is carried on to this day in the Levant. And often the same person takes all these journeys, and even more. We learn also from it that a covetous man is restless and unhappy, and that to avarice there are no bounds. This account properly illustrates that to which St. James refers: To-day or to-morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain. 2. Providence is God's government of the world; he who properly trusts in Divine providence trusts in God; and he who expects God's direction and help must walk uprightly before him; for it is absurd to expect God to be our friend if we continue to be his enemy. 3. That man walks most safely who has the least confidence in himself. True magnanimity keeps God continually in view. He appoints it its work, and furnishes discretion and power; and its chief excellence consists in being a resolute worker together with him. Pride ever sinks where humility swims; for that man who abases himself God will exalt. To know that we are dependent creatures is well; to feel it, and to act suitably, is still better.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The general principle illustrated by the particular example just discussed is here stated: knowledge without practice is imputed to a man as great and presumptuous sin. James reverts to the principle with which he started. Nothing more injures the soul than wasted impressions. Feelings exhaust themselves and evaporate, if not embodied in practice. As we will not act except we feel, so if we will not act out our feelings, we shall soon cease to feel. Next: James Chapter 5
John Gill Bible Commentary
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good,.... This may regard not only the last particular of referring all things to the will of God, the sovereign disposer of life, and all events, which some might have the knowledge of in theory, though they did not practise according to it; but all the good things the apostle had exhorted to, and the contrary to which he had warned from, in this epistle; and suggests, that a Gnostic, or one that knows the will of God, in the several branches of it, revealed in his word, and doth it not, to him it is sin: it is a greater sin; it is an aggravated one; it is criminal in him that is ignorant of what is good, and does that which is evil, nor shall he escape punishment; but it is much more wicked in a man that knows what is right and good, and ought to be done, and does it not, but that which is evil, and his condemnation will be greater; see Luk 12:47. The omission of a known duty, as well as the commission of a known sin, is criminal. Next: James Chapter 5
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:17 Remember: This verse is probably a maxim that James expected his readers to recognize. Its source is unknown, but it is consistent with the teaching of Scripture (cp. Deut 24:15; Prov 3:27-28; Matt 25:41-46; Luke 12:47).