James 4

James 4:1

VVArres] That is, those emulations, strifes, and contentions, whereof the Apostle had spoken, Chap. 3. 14. and not open warres, when as one Army is brought up against another; for there was no such thing between Christians in those times wherein Saint James wrote, though open warres and fightings arise and spring from the same fountaine.

fightings] Or, brawlings.

lusts] Or, pleasures. Called pleasures in the Originall, because of that delight or pleasure which men take in them.

warre] 1 Peter 2:11.

members] That is, in you, or in your members, because lusts exercise a dominion over the members of the body, making use of them for the compassing of that which they desire to bring to passe; and so they do over the faculties of the soul.

James 4:2

ye kill] Some copies have, ye envy.

desire to have] Or, eagerly desire.

ye sight] See vers. 1.

lust] See vers. 1.

James 4:3

Ye ask] In the former verse it is said, that they did not ask; why then is it said here, that they did aske? Thus: it is by way of supposition; as if the Apostle had said; viz. or suppose ye ask, yet ye receive not, because, &c.

amisse] Job 35:12. Because to no good end, as the words following import.

lusts] Or, pleasures.

James 4:4

Ye adulterers] There is a double adulterie mentioned in the Word of God; the one is usually called spirituall adulterie, whereby or when as a man or woman forsaking God, bestows his love upon the creature, or the world. See Jeremiah 13:27. Ezek. 23. 44, 45. Hosea 2:2. The other is usually called corporall adultery, whereof there are severall degrees; as first, adulterous thoughts, and inward burnings, Matthew 5:28. 1 Corinthians 7:9. 2 Peter 2:20. Secondly, wanton words, Ephesians 4:29. Thirdly, lascivious gestures, Proverbs 5:20. & Proverbs 7:13. Jeremiah 5:8. Fourthly, the act it self, Deuteronomy 23:17. Leviticus 19:29. Some understand this place of the former; others, of the latter, which is the more probable opinion, because of the words following.

the friendship] 1 John 2:15. Matthew 6:24, 2 Corinthians 6:15.

James 4:5

Scripture] Not in any particular place, or in so many words, though the sense may be gathered out of the Scriptures: Some conceive that the Apostle relates to Genesis 6:5. and 8. 21. others to Numbers 11:29.

The spirit] If we understand by [spirit] the spirit of a man unregenerate, as some do, then the last clause must be rendred, [lusteth to envy] that is, inciteth, or putteth on, or moveth earnestly unto envie, and the like: but if by [spirit] we understand here the Spirit of God, which is the more probable opinion, because that clause [dwelleth in us] is often attributed to the Spirit of God, Exodus 25:8. & Exodus 29:4. Romans 8:11. 1 Corinthians 11:16. then that last clause must be understood of the Spirit of God, striving and fighting against envie. See Galatians 5:17. The Greek preposition many times signifies against; as Luke 20:19. Hebrews 12:4.

to envy.] Or, enviously.

James 4:6

God resisteth] Proverbs 3:34. 1 Pet. 5. 5. Psalms 101:5.

James 4:7

God] Who best knows how to bestow his gifts for your good. This rule is here prescribed as a means to beat down, and bring in subjection the high thoughts of envy and emulation.

resist the devill] Ephesians 4:27.

James 4:8

Draw nigh] By faith, obedience and servent prayer.

he will] In mercy, and his gifts.

cleanse] Esay 1. 16.

hands] Understand hereby the whole body; it is usuall to put the part for the whole.

double] See Chap. 1. 8.

James 4:10

Humble your selves] Job 22:29. Luke 23. 12. 1 Pet. 5. 6.

James 4:11

judgeth] Matthew 7:1. Romans 12:1. 1 Corinthians 4:5.

law] Because by his evill speaking and judging of his neighbour, he doth in deed, though not in word, speak evil of, and judge the Law, which hath forbid it. Leviticus 19:16. Psalms 138:6.

James 4:12

who art thou] Rom. 14. 4, & 10.

James 4:13

Go to now] Proverbs 27:1.

James 4:14

Whereas] Psal. 103. 14, &c.

it is] Or, for it is.

James 4:15

If the Lord] 1 Corinthians 4:19. Acts 8:21.

James 4:16

boastings] That is, in your presumptions that ye shall live long, and gain much.

evill] 1 Corinthians 5:6. Because hereby ye manifest that ye neither think of Gods providence, or the brevity, or uncertainty of your own lives.

James 4:17

sinne] That is, a greater sinne, and so consequently deserve greater punishment. See Luke 12:47. Matth. 11. 20, &c. John 9. 41. & 15. 22-24. Rom. 1. 20, &c. and 2. 23.