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James 4

Hendriksen
‹ Chapter 3 James — All Chapters Chapter 5 ›
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  1. Submission) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 4:1 17) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Outline ) -60 3 2 0 2 0

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  1. Asking with Wrong Motives) TDc.BestWidthfc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data )%-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 4:4 6 ) TDc.BestWidth�c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data [W-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0
  2. Being Friends with the World) TDc.BestWidthfc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data +’-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 4:7 10 ) TDc.BestWidth�c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data GC-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0
  3. Coming Near to God) TDc.BestWidthfc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data -)-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 4:11 12 ) TDc.BestWidth�c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data EA-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0
  4. Judging a Brother) TDc.BestWidthfc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data -)-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 4:13 17 ) TDc.BestWidth�c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data SO-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 B. Submission to God s Will) TDc.BestWidthfc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data -)-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 4:13 15 ) TDc.BestWidth�c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data 1–8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0
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  6. Good and Evil) 7 2 3 8 0 0 A. Submission in Life and Spirit ) 4:1 12 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 4 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 1 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don t they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 You want something but don t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with the wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. ) 7 5 3 8 0 0 4 You adulterous people, don t you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think Scripture says without reason that the spirit he caused to live in us tends toward envy, 6 but he gives us more grace? That is why Scripture says: ) God opposes the proud ) but gives grace to the humble. ) 7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. ) 11 Brothers, do not slander one another.

Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him, speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. 12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you who are you to judge your neighbor? ) 8 1 3 8 0 0

  1. Asking with Wrong Motives) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 4:1 3) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The connection between the last part of the preceding chapter and the first three verses of this chapter is clear. If bitter envy and selfish ambition have filled man s heart (3:14, 16), if his guiding principle is earthly wisdom that is unspiritual and devilish (3:15), if he has alienated himself from God, then he promotes disorder and every evil practice (3:16). When that happens, fights and quarrels are the order of the day. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
  2. What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don t they come from your desires that battle within you?) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.32|AUTODETECT|” We have the impression that the early Christian church was marked by peace and harmony. Think of the time after Pentecost when all the believers were one in heart and mind 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.32|AUTODETECT|” Acts 4:32) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). This picture of the church, however, fades within the span of a decade or more. The recipients of the Epistle of James fight, quarrel, and are filled with selfish desires that drive them into sin, as the writer puts it in the first verse of the fourth chapter. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 A word-for-word translation of the text is this: Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref1 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn1” NKJV) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). We do well to interpret this passage figuratively, in the sense of strife, conflict, quarrel. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref2 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn2”
  1. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Many translators refrain from giving a literal version of the Greek text. They think that the expression ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 war) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 points to an area of conflict outside the Christian community. James, however, is not describing international conflicts. As a pastor who is interested in the spiritual welfare of his people, he addresses the twelve tribes scattered among the nations (1:1). ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 Note that James asks the penetrating question, What causes fights and quarrels among you? He wants to know the origin of these fights and quarrels the use of the plural indicates that they were not confined to an occasional disagreement. Thus, he looks beyond the symptoms to the cause of all these conflicts. ) James answers his own question with a rhetorical question that elicits an affirmative reply: Don t they come from your desires that battle within you? The term ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 desires) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (note the plural) is the key word. It signifies that in his life, man chooses worldly pleasures that are contrary to the expressed will of God.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref3 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn3”
  2. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.4.19|AUTODETECT|” �� As Jesus says in the parable of the sower, the desires for other things come in and choke the word [of God], making it unfruitful 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.4.19|AUTODETECT|” Mark 4:19) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.8.14|AUTODETECT|” ; also see ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.8.14|AUTODETECT|” Luke 8:14) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.24|AUTODETECT|” ). In time, man becomes a slave to the desires of his heart and separates himself from God 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.24|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:24) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.4.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.4.3|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 4:3) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.1.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.1.14|AUTODETECT|” James 1:14) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.3.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.3.3|AUTODETECT|” II Peter 3:3) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.16|AUTODETECT|” Jude 16) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.18|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.18|AUTODETECT|”
  3. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 When God no longer rules man s life, the pursuit of pleasure takes over, and peace is disrupted because of frequent fights and quarrels. ) The New International Version gives the reading ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 your desires that battle within you) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . Other translations have in your members instead of within you. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref4 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn4”
  4. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� Is the conflict a personal matter (within yourselves) or a congregational dispute (among the members of your church)? We find an answer to this question when we study the word ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 member) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 in its scriptural context. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 In a few places, Paul uses the expression ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 members) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.12.4-45.12.5|AUTODETECT|” to describe the church as the body of Christ 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.12.4-45.12.5|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 12:4 5) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.12.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.12.12|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 12:12) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.12.27|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.12.27|AUTODETECT|”
  5. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.16|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 4:16) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.30|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.30|AUTODETECT|” 5:30) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). But more strictly, this expression refers not to a theological or sociological context but to the human body.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref5 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn5”
  6. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� In the absence of a clear indication that James is thinking of the church, we interpret the term ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 members) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 to mean the physical bodies of the persons he addresses. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
  1. You want something but don t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 The sentence structure reveals a degree of parallelism. The numerous verbs in these short clauses add force to the author s assertion that the readers fail to pray to God. Their desire for possessions remains unfulfilled they don t get what they want. ) Interpreting the words ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 you kill) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 is problematic. Is James implying that the readers are actually guilty of murder? Is the original text incorrect? Is James speaking figuratively? Or does the sentence need proper punctuation? These are some of the questions interpreters face. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 a. Conjecture) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 In the sixteenth century, Erasmus suggested a change of only two letters in the Greek verb now translated you kill. With the change in the spelling of that verb the translation becomes you envy. This reading, then, balances the rest of the clause: you envy and covet. It makes much more sense than the somewhat illogical sequence ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 you kill and covet) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . Since the time Erasmus made the conjecture, his supporters have been numerous: Martin Luther, William Tyndale, John Calvin, Theodore Beza, Joseph B. Mayor, Martin Dibelius, James Moffatt, James B. Adamson, Sophie Laws, and many others.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref6 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn6”
  1. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The difficulty this conjecture meets is its lack of support in the ancient manuscripts. No document exists that has this reading. Moreover, those who favor the conjecture overlook an important rule of textual criticism: only when a questionable word has no meaningful interpretation at all is a conjecture admissible.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref7 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn7”
  2. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� And indeed meaningful interpretations of the text exist. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 b. Punctuation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Ancient manuscripts of the Greek text lack punctuation marks. The task of the translator, then, is to add these at the appropriate places so they reflect the meaning the author wishes to convey. Some translators place a period after the word ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 kill) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 and thus seek to create balance and rhythm in the sequence of short clauses: ) 7 3 3 8 0 0 You desire and do not have; so you kill. ) And you covet and cannot obtain; so you fight and wage war. ) You do not have, because you do not ask. [) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref8 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn8” RSV) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ]��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref9 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn9”
  3. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Although the word ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 and) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 before you covet raises some questions, the placing of a period after the verb ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 kill) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 seems to be a feasible solution to this textual problem.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref10 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn10”
  4. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� Admittedly, a literal interpretation of this verb implies that the readers indeed had committed murder. If we interpret the verb figuratively, however, we evade the objection that the context fails to support a literal interpretation. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 c. Metaphor) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Other interpreters understand the term ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 kill) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 in the sense of hate.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref11 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn11”
  5. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.21-40.5.22|AUTODETECT|” �� They refer to passages of Scripture that equate murder and anger 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.21-40.5.22|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 5:21 22) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.15|AUTODETECT|” I John 3:15) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The general context provides ample evidence that the verb ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 to kill) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 should be understood figuratively, not literally 8 1 -1 9 0 0 fights) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 is a less literal, symbolic translation of the noun ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 wars) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). In view of the context, then, we accept the figurative sense. Whatever interpretation we adopt, difficulties of one kind or another remain. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 You covet, but you cannot have what you want. When man gives free reign to his desires, he no longer obeys the command ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 you shall not covet) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.21.1-11.21.14|AUTODETECT|” . Covetousness controls his life and this evil power may even induce him to commit murder 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.21.1-11.21.14|AUTODETECT|” I Kings 21:1 14) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). In short, when man breaks the command not to covet, he still lacks the ability to fulfill his desires; as a consequence, his life is filled with quarrels and fights. What is wrong? James supplies the answer. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.7.7-40.7.8|AUTODETECT|” You do not have, because you do not ask God. In these verses James echoes the teachings of Jesus given in the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus said, Ask and it will be given to you; & for everyone who asks receives 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.7.7-40.7.8|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 7:7 8) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Failure to ask God in prayer results in failure to receive. We may think that unbelievers refuse to pray, but believers, too, often fail to carry everything to God in prayer. Fitting are the words Hugh Stowell prayed: ) 7 4 3 8 0 0 O may my hand forget her skill, ) My tongue be silent, cold, and still, ) This bounding heart forget to beat, ) If I forget the mercy-seat. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
  1. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.13-43.14.14|AUTODETECT|” James teaches a lesson on prayer. He asserts that even when we pray, we fail to receive an answer. The cause for this failure lies not in God but in man. When the believer asks Jesus anything in his name, Jesus will honor that request 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.13-43.14.14|AUTODETECT|” John 14:13 14) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.9-40.6.10|AUTODETECT|” ). The context in which Jesus makes this promise, however, speaks of faith in Jesus on the one hand and of glory to God the Father on the other. That is, when the believer prays to God in the name of Jesus, he must not only believe that God will hear and answer his prayer. He must also ask himself whether his request will hallow God s name, further the cause of God s kingdom, and be in harmony with God s will 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.9-40.6.10|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 6:9 10) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). If these are the believer s motives when he prays, God will prosper him by granting his request. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.14.23|AUTODETECT|” Many people do not even bother to pray. If they do pray, they come to God with wrong motives. They lack faith. Says Paul, Everything that does not come from faith is sin 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.14.23|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 14:23) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.6|AUTODETECT|” ). The writer of Hebrews is even more to the point: And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.6|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 11:6) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.5.17|AUTODETECT|” ). How can a person be sure that he has faith in God if he never prays to God? How can he expect God to answer his prayers if he refuses to heed the apostolic injunction to pray continually 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.5.17|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 5:17) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 )? ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 God refuses to listen to men who eagerly pursue selfish pleasures. Greed is idolatry and that is an abomination in the sight of God. God does not listen to prayers that come from a heart filled with selfish motives. Covetousness and selfishness are insults to God. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 4:1 3) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 1) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 ����� James repeats this adverb of place which means from what place. The suffix -��� shows motion away from a particular place: �������, from this place. ) ������� ��v & ����� the literal meaning is wars and battles, but as a description of interpersonal relationships the words mean fights and quarrels. Notice the inverted order of the verbs ������� ��v ��������� in the next verse. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 2) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 ��p �x �t �0������� Q��� the preposition ��� expresses cause. In the articular infinitive construction the pronoun Q��� serves as the subject of �0�������. The use of the middle voice is summed up in the translation ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ye ask for yourselves amiss) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 in the next verse.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref12 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn12”
  1. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 8 1 3 8 0 0
  1. Being Friends with the World) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 4:4 6) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Straddling the line is dangerous, as every driver knows, for he has been taught to stay on his own side of the road. That is a fundamental traffic rule for safe driving. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.24|AUTODETECT|” Nor can a Christian straddle the line. He cannot be a friend of God and a friend of the world, because no one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.24|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 6:24) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). A Christian cannot pursue his selfish ambitions and still remain loyal to God. In fact, when he looks toward the pleasures of this world, he turns his back to God. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
  2. You adulterous people, don t you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 Note the following points: ) a. You adulterous people. The New International Version makes the text direct and personal with the pronoun ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 you) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . In the original the first word is an address and means adulteresses. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref13 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn13”
  1. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� This is difficult to interpret literally, especially when the context indicates that James is not introducing a moral issue. As in the preceding verses (4:1 3), we need to understand the phrase ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 you adulterous people) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 figuratively or, more precisely, spiritually. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 James is writing to Jewish Christians who are familiar with the term ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 adulteress) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.1.2|AUTODETECT|” applied to the marriage relationship of God as husband and Israel as the unfaithful wife. For example, God told the prophet Hosea, Go, take to yourself an adulterous wife and children of unfaithfulness, because the land is guilty of the vilest adultery in departing from the Lord 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.1.2|AUTODETECT|” Hos. 1:2) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Jesus calls the Pharisees, Sadducees, and teachers of the law a wicked and ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 adulterous) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.39|AUTODETECT|” generation 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.39|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 12:39) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.4|AUTODETECT|” 16:4) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.8.38|AUTODETECT|” ; and see ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.8.38|AUTODETECT|” Mark 8:38) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.9.15|AUTODETECT|” ; italics added). Moreover, indirectly Jesus refers to himself as the bridegroom 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.9.15|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 9:15) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.11.2|AUTODETECT|” and parallels) and Paul says that Christ is the husband of the church 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.11.2|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 11:2) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.22-49.5.25|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.22-49.5.25|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 5:22 25) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.19.7|AUTODETECT|” ; also consult ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.19.7|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 19:7) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.21.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.21.9|AUTODETECT|” 21:9) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.20.5|AUTODETECT|” b. Friendship with the world is hatred toward God. James puts this statement in the form of a question and appeals to the intuitive knowledge of his readers. What husband permits his wife to have an illicit affair with another man? And what do you think of a wife who forsakes marital love by engaging in adulterous relations? What do you think is God s reaction when a believer becomes enamored with the world? God is a jealous God 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.20.5|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 20:5) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.5.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.5.9|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 5:9) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). He tolerates no friendship with the world. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 What does the word ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 world) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 mean? It represents the whole system of humanity (its institutions, structures, values, and mores) as organized without God. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref14 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn14”
  2. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.4.10|AUTODETECT|” �� It is the meaning Paul conveyed when he wrote his second letter addressed to Timothy: For Demas, because he loved this present world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.4.10|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 4:10) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 James is forceful in saying that a person cannot be friendly with the world and with God at the same time. The world does not tolerate friends of God, for they are considered enemies. The reverse is also true. God regards a friend of the world an enemy. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.10.31|AUTODETECT|” c. An enemy of God. What a terrifying expression! A friend of God who endures the enmity of the world can always take comfort in the words of the sixteenth-century reformer John Knox, who said, A man with God on his side is always in the majority. But the person who meets God as his enemy stands alone, for the world cannot help him. The author of Hebrews concludes, It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.10.31|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 10:31) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.16|AUTODETECT|” Who is an enemy of God? The Christian has been placed in the world, even though he is not of the world 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.16|AUTODETECT|” John 17:16) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.18|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.18|AUTODETECT|”
  3. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.15|AUTODETECT|” ). The apostle John warns, Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.15|AUTODETECT|” I John 2:15) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). When a person purposely turns to the world to become part of it, he has made a conscious choice of rejecting God and the teaching of his Word.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref15 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn15”
  4. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� Therefore, anyone who deliberately chooses for the world and against God meets God as his enemy. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
  1. Or do you think Scripture says without reason that the spirit he caused to live in us tends toward envy, 6. but he gives us more grace? That is why Scripture says:) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 God opposes the proud) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 but gives grace to the humble. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.3.34|AUTODETECT|” James turns to the Scripture to prove his point. He lets God speak to establish the truth of the matter. The difficulty, however, is that of the two references James quotes, we are able to identify only the second one 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.3.34|AUTODETECT|” Prov. 3:34) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). We have no clear biblical reference for the quotation in the fifth verse. Indeed this particular text is one of the most puzzling in the entire epistle and takes a place among the most difficult passages in the New Testament. This passage puzzles the reader not only because it refers to a Scripture passage we cannot locate in the Old Testament. It also lends itself to numerous translations of the text. And last, but certainly not least, we are interested in the exact meaning of the quotation. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 a. Origin) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The fact that we are not able to locate the origin of this quotation need not surprise us at all. In other passages of the New Testament we encounter similar quotations that have no precise provenance in Scripture. To mention only one text, Matthew writes about the return of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus to Nazareth and says, So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: He will be called a Nazarene (2:23). The Old Testament, however, provides no leads for finding the origin of this prophecy.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref16 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn16”
  1. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.6.3|AUTODETECT|” Scholars have made numerous suggestions about the source of the quotation in verse 5. One suggests that the words come from a combination of texts 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.6.3|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 6:3) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.8.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.8.21|AUTODETECT|” 8:21) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.20.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.20.3|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 20:3) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.20.5|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.20.5|AUTODETECT|”
  2. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) that had taken on a distinct form. Another thinks that the quotation has been taken from a Septuagint passage that is no longer extant. A third is of the opinion that the quoted words derive from an apocryphal book.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref17 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn17”
  3. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� And a fourth holds that the expression ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Scripture says) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 in verse 5 actually applies to the Old Testament quotation in verse 6. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 No matter where we look for an answer to the question of source, the result remains the same: we do not know. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 b. Translations) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Because the ancient manuscripts lack punctuation marks, translators have to determine whether a sentence is a statement or a question. Here is one translation that phrases the passage as a question: Or do you suppose the Scripture speaks to no purpose? The Spirit, who took up His abode in us, yearns jealously over us. But He affords the more grace, for He says, God opposes the haughty, but He grants grace to the humble-minded. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref18 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn18”
  4. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� However, this translation raises more questions than it answers. First, to which scriptural passage does James refer when he says Scripture speaks ? Second, how does the affirmative statement ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 the Spirit & yearns jealously over us) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 relate to the preceding question? And third, what are the reasons for not adopting the standard formula ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Scripture says) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 that is normally used for introducing quotations? ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Another problem is the translation of the word ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 spirit) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . Does the word refer to the human spirit or the Holy Spirit? If we understand the word to mean the Holy Spirit, we meet the added difficulty that nowhere else in the epistle does James refer to this Spirit. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref19 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn19”
  5. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� If James had been thinking of the Holy Spirit, we would expect him to refer to the Holy Spirit in the preceding and succeeding verses, too. He does not do this. Most versions, therefore, provide the translation ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 spirit) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 There is one more problem. Should the last part of verse 5 be translated that the spirit he caused to live in us tends toward envy or that God jealously longs for the spirit that he made to live in us -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref20 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn20” NIV) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 footnote)? That is, do we take the term ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 spirit) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 as the subject or as the object of the main verb? It is either the subject or the object . ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The key to understanding the quotation lies in the term ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 envy) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (NIV). In Greek, this particular word appears in catalogues of vices. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref21 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn21”
  6. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.29|AUTODETECT|” �� In the New Testament it describes life associated with the unredeemed world 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.29|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:29) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.21|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 5:21) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.6.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.6.4|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 6:4) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.3.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.3.3|AUTODETECT|” Titus 3:3) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.1|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 2:1) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref22 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn22”
  7. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� This word, then, always has a bad connotation in Greek literature and in the New Testament. Because man s spirit tends toward corruption, we conclude that the term ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 spirit) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 is the subject, not the object, of the main verb . The thought of verse 5 is therefore a continuation of the preceding text that warns against friendship with the world. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 c. Meaning) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Sixteenth-century German theologian Zacharias Ursinus considered whether he was able to comply with what God required of him. He concluded, No. I have a natural tendency to hate God and my neighbor. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref23 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn23”
  8. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� The spirit of man longs for the pleasures of this world and perversely seeks its friendship. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Is there no hope, then? Certainly! Note the contrast with the adversative ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 but) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 in the next sentence (v. 6). But [God] gives us more grace. God comes to us in the redeeming love of his Son, who is full of grace. From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another, writes John in the prologue of his Gospel (1:16). ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.5.5|AUTODETECT|” James establishes his point with another quotation. This time we know the words are derived from the Book of Proverbs. He [God] mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble (3:34). Perhaps these words circulated in the early church in the form of a proverbial saying, because the apostle Peter also cites this text 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.5.5|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 5:5) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). That one quotation sums up the difference between the person whose heart is filled with pride and the person who humbly lives in full dependence upon God. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.6.17|AUTODETECT|” God hates haughty eyes 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.6.17|AUTODETECT|” Prov. 6:17) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.16.5|AUTODETECT|” ) and detests those who have a proud heart 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.16.5|AUTODETECT|” Prov. 16:5) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.13.10|AUTODETECT|” ). Pride causes quarrels 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.13.10|AUTODETECT|” Prov. 13:10) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.16.18|AUTODETECT|” ) and leads to destruction 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.16.18|AUTODETECT|” Prov. 16:18) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Since God resists the proud, the believer must learn to hate pride and to clothe himself with humility. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref24 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn24”
  9. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.66.2|AUTODETECT|” �� God, however, will esteem the person who is humble and contrite in spirit 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.66.2|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 66:2) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Practical Considerations in 4:4 6) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 4) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 A worldly person loves himself and the pleasures of this world. His heart is filled with pride that makes him indifferent to God and his Word. Even though he attends the worship services at a local church and participates in family devotions, he refuses to come close to God, because he knows that God condemns his pride. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 6) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 12 3 8 0 0 Proud people tend to be friends of the world, for they know that not God but the world satisfies their pride. By contrast, humble people realize that they are completely dependent upon God. They are thankful to him for the rich grace he provides to fill their lives to overflowing. ) Pride shuts out grace. If a patient refuses to take the medicine prescribed by the physician, he will never recover. If a son rejects the wise counsel of his parents, he can expect trouble. Pride enters the human heart because man measures himself by human standards, not God s standards. ) The believer who lives in constant fellowship with God, who desires to do God s will in all things, and who demonstrates the love of the Lord Jesus is the recipient of God s abundant grace. ) Marvelous grace of our loving Lord, ) Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt, ) Yonder on Calvary s mount outpoured, ) There where the blood of the Lamb was spilt. ) Grace, grace, God s grace, ) Grace that will pardon and cleanse within, ) Grace, grace, God s grace, ) Grace that is greater than all our sin. ) Julia H. Johnston ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 4:4 6) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 4) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 3 3 8 0 0 ! ����� ��� ������ note the definite article preceding the noun ����� (friendship). The noun is followed by the objective genitive friendship with the world. The next phrase, ���� ��� ����, also has an objective genitive enmity toward God. ) p� ������� the use of the aorist subjunctive in this conditional sentence introduces probability. The ingressive aorist tense of the verb expresses the deliberate choice of a person who loves the world and becomes God s enemy. ) ���������� this present indicative from ��������� (I conduct, appoint) is in the passive voice and means he is made, that is, he becomes. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 6) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 ������� �� the comparative adjective in the accusative singular modifies �����. The particle �� is adversative with distinct contrast. ) Q���������� adjectivally the word occurs in our lit[erature] only in an unfavorable sense. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref25 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn25”
  10. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� It describes the attitude of someone who places himself on a level equal to or higher than that of God. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0
  1. Coming Near to God) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 4:7 10) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Road signs along the highway instruct the traveler how to reach his destination safely. Of necessity, these signs are short, descriptive, and pointed. James provides us with a number of signs that aid us as we travel along life s highway. Suited to the hurried pace of life, the sentences are concise, colorful, and direct. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
  2. Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Like highway signs that instruct the motorist to obey traffic rules for safe driving, these clauses tell the reader how to come to God. Note that the first summons (v. 7a) and the last (v. 10a) are parallels; between them lies the message to the reader: come near to God. Moreover, the word ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 humble) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 in verse 10 forms a verbal link with the last word of the Old Testament quotation in verse 6. The sequence of these commands is: ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 a. Submission) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 James speaks directly to those readers who are blinded by harmful pride and indirectly, of course, to the entire church. He is pointed in his counsel and tells them how to divest themselves of pride: submit yourselves & to God. He urges his readers to do it once for all, so that they may always be subject to God. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.2.51|AUTODETECT|” When James says submit, he actually means obey. In the Greek Luke uses the same verb when he describes the twelve-year-old Jesus who was obedient to Mary and Joseph 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.2.51|AUTODETECT|” Luke 2:51) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The wording ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 submit yourselves) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.13.1-45.13.7|AUTODETECT|” describes a voluntary act of placing oneself under the authority of someone else to show him respect and obedience. Thus, citizens are to obey governing authorities 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.13.1-45.13.7|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 13:1 7) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.13|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 2:13) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.16|AUTODETECT|” ), Corinthian believers are urged to obey their leaders 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.16|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 16:16) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.5.5|AUTODETECT|” ), young men must be submissive to older people 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.5.5|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 5:5) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.22|AUTODETECT|” ), and wives are exhorted to submit to their husbands 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.22|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 5:22) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.18|AUTODETECT|” Col. 3:18) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.2.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.2.5|AUTODETECT|” Titus 2:5) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.3.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.3.1|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 3:1) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.2.9|AUTODETECT|” ) and servants to their masters 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.2.9|AUTODETECT|” Titus 2:9) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.18|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 2:18) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 When we pray Your will be done, we have dismissed pride, are submissive to God, and are obeying his commands. When we keep God s law, Satan seeks to interfere by leading us into temptation. Therefore, James adds the injunction ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 resist the devil) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.6.11|AUTODETECT|” . As we stand firm against the devil s schemes 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.6.11|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 6:11) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.5.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.5.9|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 5:9) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.13|AUTODETECT|” ), we also pray the petition but deliver us from the evil one 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.13|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 6:13) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.4.7|AUTODETECT|” ). The biblical assurance we receive is that he will flee from us 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.4.7|AUTODETECT|” James 4:7) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). This is a fact, for the Gospels and Acts are filled with examples of Satan and his cohorts fleeing before divine authority. When we obediently do God s will, Satan cannot lead us astray but must depart. Luther aptly remarked that if we sing psalms and hymns or read Scripture, Satan will flee from us lest he scorch his wings. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 b. Preparation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Here is the heart of the message which James introduced with the exhortation to be submissive to God and to resist the devil: come near to God. In our struggle against sin and Satan we do not stand alone when we come in prayer to God. God surrounds us with his care and grace, so that we have no reason to fear the power of Satan. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=25.3.57|AUTODETECT|” God wants us to come to him in true repentance, faith, obedience, and prayer 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=25.3.57|AUTODETECT|” Lam. 3:57) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.12.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.12.6|AUTODETECT|” Hos. 12:6) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.1.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.1.3|AUTODETECT|” Zech. 1:3) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=39.3.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=39.3.7|AUTODETECT|” Mal. 3:7) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). He will fill us with his grace and crown us with his blessings. When God calls us to come near to him, he already shows us his love and grace. The initiative, then, belongs to God, not to us. For this reason we can never claim that because we first approached God, he had to come to us. God always acts first in the work of salvation.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref26 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn26”
  1. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.30.20-2.30.21|AUTODETECT|” How do we approach a holy God? James uses terminology from the Old Testament when he writes, Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts.& The first admonition recalls God s instructions about ceremonial cleansing 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.30.20-2.30.21|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 30:20 21) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref27 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn27”
  2. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� The second brings to mind David s words: ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? ) Who may stand in his holy place? ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.24.3-19.24.4|AUTODETECT|” He who has clean hands and a pure heart.& [) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.24.3-19.24.4|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 24:3 4) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ] ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 By linking these concepts, James clearly implies that he is speaking not of being ceremonially clean but of being spiritually pure.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref28 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn28”
  3. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 James calls the readers sinners and double-minded. Every human being is a sinner, but James is using a term that fits the Jewish context of his people. In the Gospels, the name ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 sinner) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.9.10|AUTODETECT|” was given to someone who disregarded the law of God and flouted standards of morality 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.9.10|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 9:10) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.7.37|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.7.37|AUTODETECT|” Luke 7:37) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.7.39|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.7.39|AUTODETECT|”
  4. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref29 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn29”
  5. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� The expression ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 double-minded) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.1.8|AUTODETECT|” 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.1.8|AUTODETECT|” James 1:8) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) connotes instability, fickleness, and vacillation. The terms fit the person who loves God and the world. Such persons, James says, must repent. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 c. Repentance) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.5.16|AUTODETECT|” The next commands are at variance with the apostolic injunction to rejoice always 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.5.16|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 5:16) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.1.2|AUTODETECT|” ; and see ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.1.2|AUTODETECT|” James 1:2) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). James tells his readers to grieve, mourn and wail. He is like an Old Testament prophet who calls the people to repentance by having them grieve over their sins and, so to speak, sit in sackcloth and ashes. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 We experience grief when someone who is near and dear to us dies. That is one aspect of the concept ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 grief) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.6|AUTODETECT|” . The other aspect of grief is spiritual. Scripture teaches us that repentance and grief go together. In his epistles, Paul states that those who belong to Jesus put to death their sinful nature when they repent of their sins 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.6|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 6:6) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.20|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 2:20) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.24|AUTODETECT|” 5:24) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.6.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.6.14|AUTODETECT|” 6:14) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Repentance, then, means that a death has occurred in our own lives. We grieve because of sins we have committed against God and our fellow man. ) 7 3 3 8 0 0 Here are two examples one from the Old Testament and one from the New of saints who grieve because of their sins. David portrays his grief for sin in many of his psalms. In one of them he pleads for God s mercy and cries out, ) I am worn out from groaning; ) all night long I flood my bed with weeping ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.6.6|AUTODETECT|” and drench my couch with tears. [) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.6.6|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 6:6) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ] ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.24-45.7.25|AUTODETECT|” That is godly sorrow! Paul, describing his struggle with sin, exclaims, What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? He himself gives the answer: Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.24-45.7.25|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 7:24 25) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.25|AUTODETECT|” Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. The similarity to a word of Jesus is unmistakable: Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.25|AUTODETECT|” Luke 6:25) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.60-42.22.62|AUTODETECT|” ). James is not saying that a Christian should dress in black clothing, walk around with a somber face, and preach gloom and doom. A Christian ought to be happy in the Lord, thankful for the gift of salvation, and obedient in doing the will of God. When he has fallen into sin and responds to God s call for repentance, a change must occur in his life. Laughter and joy are silenced. When he reflects on his sin, the penitent is filled with mourning and gloom. Peter said that he did not know Jesus, but after he had asserted this three times, Jesus looked straight at him. Peter repented, went outside, and wept bitterly 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.60-42.22.62|AUTODETECT|” Luke 22:60 62) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.7.10|AUTODETECT|” ). Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.7.10|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 7:10) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 d. Humility) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 James returns to the subject he introduced in the Old Testament quotation: God & gives grace to the humble (v. 6). He writes, Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. This particular theme is prominent throughout Scripture: ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.149.4|AUTODETECT|” in the psalms, For the Lord & crowns the humble with salvation 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.149.4|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 149:4) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.3.34|AUTODETECT|” in Proverbs, [The Lord] & gives grace to the humble 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.3.34|AUTODETECT|” Prov. 3:34) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.21.26|AUTODETECT|” in the prophetical books, The lowly will be exalted and the exalted will be brought low 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.21.26|AUTODETECT|” Ezek. 21:26) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.12|AUTODETECT|” in the Gospels, For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.12|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 23:12) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.5.6|AUTODETECT|” in the Epistles, Humble yourselves, therefore, under God s mighty hand, that he may lift you up 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.5.6|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 5:6) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 )��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref30 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn30”
  6. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.12.3|AUTODETECT|” And last, Scripture teaches that humility has a vertical and a horizontal aspect. The believer who shows humility toward God shows it also toward others 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.12.3|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 12:3) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.3|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 2:3) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Practical Considerations in 4:7 10) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 8) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 The Gospel writers record that two people wanted to follow Jesus and were willing to relinquish everything except that which was dear to them. For the one this was his family; for the other it was money. Jesus refused to accept these would-be followers, for they could not give him their undivided devotion. In effect, they were double-minded. ) This is Calvin s motto: To you, O Lord, I offer my heart promptly and sincerely. When we present our heart to the Lord, he wants it completely. If we give part of it to the world, God cannot be our Lord and master. He demands that we approach him with singleness of heart in true humility. God will lift us up when we humble ourselves before him. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 10) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.31|AUTODETECT|” If God exalts us, are we not inclined to become proud? No, because in our humility we give him the praise and the glory. Let him who boasts boast in the Lord 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.31|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 1:31) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.9.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.9.24|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 9:24) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.10.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.10.17|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 10:17) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 4:7 10) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 7) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Q�������� from the verb Q������� (I subject, submit), this aorist passive imperative exhibits some interesting characteristics: the aorist like all the other aorists in this section is ingressive; the passive has become the middle, submit yourselves ; and the imperative together with the future �������� (he will flee) constitutes an implied condition. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 9) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 ������������� presumably this is derived from the combination ����� (I bear) and ����� (I endure troubles).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref31 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn31”
  7. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.16|AUTODETECT|” �� As a verb in the aorist active imperative it occurs only once in the New Testament; as the noun ���������� (misery, trouble), twice 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.16|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 3:16) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.5.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.5.1|AUTODETECT|” James 5:1) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.24|AUTODETECT|” ). The adjective ���������� (wretched) also appears twice 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.24|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 7:24) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.3.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.3.17|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 3:17) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 8 1 3 8 0 0
  1. Judging a Brother) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 4:11 12) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.7.1-40.7.2|AUTODETECT|” James echoes the teaching about judging others that Jesus gave in the Sermon on the Mount. Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.7.1-40.7.2|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 7:1 2) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Judging is a most difficult task because it involves not only other people but also the law itself. This is how James puts it: ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
  2. Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him, speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.1|AUTODETECT|” a. The author s tone changes markedly. In verse 8 he calls the readers sinners and double-minded ; now he addresses them as brothers and tells them not to slander each other 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.1|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 2:1) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Nevertheless, verses 11 and 12 are closely tied to the preceding passage. ) 7 4 3 8 0 0 In one of his psalms, David links slander to a lack of humility. He says, ) Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, ) him will I put to silence; ) whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.101.5|AUTODETECT|” him will I not endure. [) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.101.5|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 101:5) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ] ) 7 7 3 8 0 0 Slander issues from the heart of the person who fails to consider others above himself. The humble Christian, however, opposes slander and says, ) No wicked thing or slanderous accusation ) Shall stand before mine eyes with approbation; ) No hateful doings of apostasy ) Shall cleave to me. ) Dewey Westra ) The link between verses 7 and 11 lies in the word ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 devil) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (v. 7) and the verb ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 slander) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . In the original, the noun ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 diabolos) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (devil) means slanderer. James, then, is exhorting his readers not to slander one another, for this is the work of the devil. He is telling them to stop this evil practice to which they have resorted. If they continue to slander each other in the church, they will eventually destroy the fellowship of the Christian community. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.19.16|AUTODETECT|” b. James delves deeper into the subject and tells his readers that slandering a brother involves the law 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.19.16|AUTODETECT|” Lev. 19:16) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Note the parallel James develops in the next sentence: ) 7 6 3 8 0 0 Anyone who ) speaks against speaks against ) his brother the law ) or and ) judges him judges it ) The emphasis in this verse is on the word ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 brother,) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.19.18|AUTODETECT|” which denotes the close bond of fellowship believers have in the church. If you speak evil of your brother behind his back, you are setting aside the royal law, Love your neighbor as yourself 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.19.18|AUTODETECT|” Lev. 19:18) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.39|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.39|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 22:39) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.13.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.13.9|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 13:9) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.14|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 5:14) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). And if you set aside the law, you have become a judge of that law. Then you have placed yourself on the level of the Lawgiver. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 In court a judge must be impartial in evaluating the evidence, and be just in applying the law and passing sentence. The slanderer, by contrast, generally neglects to learn the facts, avoids speaking in the presence of the accused, sets aside the law of love, and as a self-appointed judge hands down the verdict.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref32 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn32”
  1. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 c. James exposes the true nature of the sin of slandering when he instructs the recipients of his epistle in these words: When you judge the law [as you are doing], you are not keeping it [because you have placed yourself above the law], but sitting in judgment on it [as a judge]. ) The slanderer puts aside the law God made and thus places himself on the same level as God. Only God has the authority to abrogate a law. Blinded by sin, the backbiter often is unaware of the seriousness of his doings. The fact remains, however, that slander is a sin against the person who is accused and against God who forbids this sin by divine law.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref33 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn33”
  2. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
  1. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you who are you to judge your neighbor?) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Ultimately God is the only Lawgiver who delegates power to man to serve as lawmaker and judge. God, therefore, receives the honor of being the final authority in establishing the law and judging man. He alone is the divine judge. He cannot allow man to assume the position that belongs to him alone. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.32.39|AUTODETECT|” God alone has the authority to save and destroy. That is, God makes the law, applies it, and enforces it by carrying out the sentence. The verdict is either innocent or guilty God is able to save and destroy. In the Song of Moses, we find a parallel when God says, There is no god besides me. I put to death and I bring to life 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.32.39|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 32:39) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.2.6-9.2.7|AUTODETECT|” ; also consult ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.2.6-9.2.7|AUTODETECT|” I Sam. 2:6 7) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=12.5.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=12.5.7|AUTODETECT|” II Kings 5:7) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.28|AUTODETECT|” ). And Jesus instructs his disciples not to fear the one who is able to kill the body. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.28|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 10:28) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.5|AUTODETECT|” ; and see ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.5|AUTODETECT|” Luke 12:5) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.14.4|AUTODETECT|” James becomes personal. He speaks directly and emphatically to the individual reader: But you who are you to judge your neighbor? The contrast between the one and only divine Lawgiver and sinful man (to be judged by the Lawgiver) is clear 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.14.4|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 14:4) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). James purposely chooses the word ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 neighbor) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 to remind the reader of the royal law of love (2:8). Instead of judging his neighbor the reader ought to love him. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Practical Considerations in 4:11 12) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 11) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.36|AUTODETECT|” Scripture teaches that all of us will have to appear before God in the day of judgment and at that time we have to give an account of every careless word [we] have spoken 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.36|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 12:36) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). God holds us responsible for the very words we speak and especially the words spoken against our fellow man. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 12) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 All of us are guilty because of our sins. We are under the law and on the same level as our fellow man. We are the accused. Therefore, instead of placing ourselves above the law and assuming the position of a judge, we ought to encourage, comfort, and love our fellow man. In short, we are in no position to judge because we ourselves are in need of the mercy and grace of Jesus Christ. Let us help each other by directing our attention to Jesus. ) Do we, then, close our eyes when we see a brother falling into sin? Certainly not! James ends his epistle with advice that is to the point: Whoever turns a sinner away from his error will save him from death and cover a multitude of sins (5:20). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 4:11 12) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 11) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 �t ����������� the negative command in the present active imperative instructs the reader to stop slandering other people. The present tense indicates an activity in progress. ) The repetition of brother (three times) and law (four times) makes this verse emphatic. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 12) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 4 3 8 0 0 ����� ��v ������� the significance of the aorist tense in these two active infinitives lies in the finality of God s verdict on the day of judgment. ) B. Submission to God s Will ) 4:13 17 ) 13 Now listen, you who say, Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money. 14 Why, you 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. 15 Instead, you ought to say, If it is the Lord s will, we will live and do this or that. 16 As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. 17 Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn t do it, sins. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0
  2. Example) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 4:13 15) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 Pride closes man s eyes to reality, so that he does not see the ridiculousness of his deeds. Man makes plans and talks as if he were the master of his life and God does not exist. Utter foolishness! James has overheard this preposterous talk, records it, and shows his readers the senselessness of living a life of practical atheism. ) The persons James addresses, however, appear to be the Jewish Christians who are living in dispersion. He writes this letter to them and not to unbelievers. Although his tone changes, James seems to indicate that the readers know how to do that which is good (v. 17), which implies that they belong to the Christian community.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref34 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn34”
  1. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� For this reason, I take the next few verses as part of the discourse addressed to the members of the church.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref35 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn35”
  2. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
  1. Now listen, you who say, Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Here we have an example of people who do their planning and work without thinking about God. By ignoring God, they show as much arrogance as does the person who slanders his neighbor. The sin of failing to come to God in prayer is one of the most common offenses a Christian commits. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.38-40.24.39|AUTODETECT|” James addresses a segment of the church, namely, the merchants. He gets their attention with the idiomatic Now listen. Other translations have Come now. Then he quotes their own words that speak of going from one place to the next, spending some time there in order to do business and make money. Actually, we cannot fault a traveling salesman for moving on and doing business. This is part of his life. There is somewhat of a parallel in Jesus discourse on the end of the age in which he refers to the days of Noah: For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.38-40.24.39|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 24:38 39) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.17.26-42.17.29|AUTODETECT|” ; also compare ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.17.26-42.17.29|AUTODETECT|” Luke 17:26 29) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Although no one faults a person for eating, drinking, and marrying, the point is that in the life of Noah s contemporaries God had no place. These people lived as if God did not exist. And this is also true of the merchants James addresses. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.16-42.12.21|AUTODETECT|” Note that James has no quarrel with the merchant s occupation. Nor does he write about the ethics of buying and selling; he only states that the merchants carry on business and make money. And that is what we expect when trade flourishes. James takes the businessmen to task for their disregard for God. To them money is much more important than serving the Lord. They make plans for the future without seeking the will of God. They live like the man portrayed in the parable of the rich fool 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.16-42.12.21|AUTODETECT|” Luke 12:16 21) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). They fail to realize that they cannot add even a minute to their life.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref36 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn36”
  1. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� They are completely dependent on God. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
  1. Why, you 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.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=21.12.13|AUTODETECT|” If we have no idea what the immediate future will bring us, then what is the purpose of life? The writer of Ecclesiastes repeatedly mentions life s brevity and characteristically comments on the meaninglessness of man s pursuit of material possessions. Nevertheless, at the conclusion of his book he states the purpose of life: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=21.12.13|AUTODETECT|” Eccl. 12:13) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Seventeenth-century British theologians asked, What is the chief end of man? And they answered, Man s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref37 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn37”
  1. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.27.1|AUTODETECT|” The merchants James addresses have not asked about the meaning and duration of life. They have neglected the counsel of Solomon: Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.27.1|AUTODETECT|” Prov. 27:1) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). They talk about the future with absolute certainty. Yet they have no control over it. They live their life but fail to inquire into its purpose. They are blind and ignorant. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.39.6|AUTODETECT|” James compares human life to a mist that quickly appears and then disappears. What is a mist? Nothing but vapor that vanishes before the rising sun. It is frail and lacks durability 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.39.6|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 39:6) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.39.11|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.39.11|AUTODETECT|”
  2. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.102.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.102.3|AUTODETECT|” 102:3) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.13.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.13.3|AUTODETECT|” Hos. 13:3) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Moses, who lived to be 120 years old, wrote a prayer in which he said, ) 7 3 3 8 0 0 The length of our days is seventy years ) or eighty, if we have the strength; ) yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.90.10|AUTODETECT|” for they quickly pass, and we fly away. [) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.90.10|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 90:10) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ] ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
  1. Instead, you ought to say, If it is the Lord s will, we will live and do this or that. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 James teaches that God is sovereign in our lives. In all our planning, deeds, and accomplishments we must acknowledge our submission to God. Thus, after a comment on the brevity of life, he returns to the subject he introduced in verse 13. He says that instead of ignoring God in our daily activities, we ought to place him first and say, If it is the Lord s will, we will live and do this or that. ) In some circles and cultures, the clich� ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 the Lord willing) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 is rather common. It is a pious formula that because of its repeated usage begins to lose its intended significance. But why does James tell the merchants to use this formula? He shows them that their lives are in the hands of a sovereign God and that they should acknowledge him in all their plans. He does not tell them when and how to use the phrase ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 if God wills) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Surprisingly, this phrase does not appear in the Old Testament. In the New Testament era, however, the apostle Paul teaches the Christians its proper use. Here are a few examples: ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.18.21|AUTODETECT|”
  2. When Paul left Ephesus, he said to the Jews, I will come back if it is God s will 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.21|AUTODETECT|” Acts 18:21) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.4.19|AUTODETECT|”
  3. He told the Corinthians, I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.4.19|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 4:19) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.7|AUTODETECT|”
  4. He promised the believers in Corinth to spend some time with them if the Lord permits 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.7|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 16:7) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.19|AUTODETECT|” ; also compare ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.19|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 2:19) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.24|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=50.2.24|AUTODETECT|”
  1. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.6.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.6.3|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 6:3) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The New Testament, however, gives no indication that the apostles had coined a formula that was to be used frequently. In fact, Luke fails to relate its use in the narratives of Paul s journeys recorded in Acts. Even in his epistles, Paul fails to employ this formula in places where we would have expected it. This means that we do not need to use the words ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 God willing) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 as a threadbare phrase. Rather, our entire lives ought to be that of the child of God who knows he is secure in the protective care of his heavenly Father. Every believer must live in such a way that, as Horatius Bonar put it, no part of day or night from sacredness be free. That is joyous Christian living.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref38 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn38”
  2. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Practical Considerations in 4:13 15) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 13) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Increasingly the word ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 secularism) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 appears in Christian circles as if it has a legitimate place in Christianity. The expression refers to a world and life view that ignores God and flouts his Word. Secularism is a philosophy that penetrates all spheres of life, that exalts man and rejects God.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref39 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn39”
  3. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 15) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.3.6|AUTODETECT|” Ever since the time of the Reformation, we have treasured the truth that this world created by God and redeemed by Christ is the Christian s workshop. Therefore, our work performed in this workshop is done to the glory of God. We joyously sing, This is my Father s world and acknowledge him in all our ways 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.3.6|AUTODETECT|” Prov. 3:6) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.31|AUTODETECT|” Therefore, Christians accept the lordship of Christ in every sphere of life. They choose to live in obedience to the will of God as revealed in his Word. They know that which is good, right, honorable, just, and equitable. And they practice the golden rule, Do to others as you would have them do to you 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.31|AUTODETECT|” Luke 6:31) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 4:13 15) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 13) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 �� originally this form was the present imperative of �� (I lead). Here it is an interjection with the meaning ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 now listen) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (see 5:1). ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 ����� this is a demonstrative pronoun with the definite article; it means this or that. ) ��������� three future indicatives (���������, ������������, ����������) express determination and purpose. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 14) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 �5����� used as an adversative expression, not as an indefinite relative pronoun, the word conveys the idea ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 whereas actually) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 and shows a concessive use.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref40 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn40”
  4. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 ���� as an interrogative pronoun, this expression has a qualitative sense, what is your life? ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 15) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 ��� in this verse the preposition ��� means instead of, not against, and governs the genitive case of the articular infinitive. ) ��v & ��� actually the repetition of the conjunction means both & and. For stylistic reasons, the first ��� need not be translated. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0
  1. Good and Evil) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 4:16 17) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
  2. As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.3.34|AUTODETECT|” This verse is a reminder of the stern warning James issued when he quoted from the Old Testament, God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.3.34|AUTODETECT|” Prov. 3:34) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Some of the businessmen had ventured out; they had taken risks and made a profit. As always happens, success breeds success and along with prosperity come pride and self-sufficiency. These merchants relied on their own insights and now boasted about their accomplishments. J. B. Phillips provides this paraphrase, As it is, you get a certain pride in yourself in planning your future with such confidence. That sort of pride is all wrong. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.11.30|AUTODETECT|” Human boasting is worthless, for it gives man and not God the glory. Such boasting includes bragging about accomplishments. This is not only unjustified but also totally unacceptable to God. It is evil. Through the personal experience of a thorn in his flesh, Paul is able to teach us that we can boast only in weakness; in this weakness the power of Christ becomes evident 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.11.30|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 11:30) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.12.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.12.5|AUTODETECT|” 12:5) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.12.9|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.12.9|AUTODETECT|”
  1. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). A Christian, then, may boast of himself only in so far as his life is lived in dependence on God and in responsibility to him. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref41 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn41”
  2. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
  1. Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn t do it, sins.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 James ends this particular section of his letter with a proverbial saying that perhaps circulated in the Jewish world of his day. The adverb ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 then) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 links the proverb to the preceding discourse; the tone of the address changes, because James no longer speaks directly to the businessmen but to every reader of his epistle. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.4.13-59.4.16|AUTODETECT|” The proverbial saying conveys a stern warning against the sin of neglect. Not the sin of commission but the sin of omission is mentioned. That particular sin raises its ugly head when man ignores God, makes plans, is successful, and brags about his achievements 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.4.13-59.4.16|AUTODETECT|” James 4:13 16) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.30-42.10.35|AUTODETECT|” ). Man repeats the sin of omission when he neglects to do the good he knows he must do. Jesus put this sin into focus when he portrayed the priest and the Levite in the parable of the Good Samaritan 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.30-42.10.35|AUTODETECT|” Luke 10:30 35) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.16.19-42.16.31|AUTODETECT|” ); the rich man who disregarded Lazarus 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.16.19-42.16.31|AUTODETECT|” Luke 16:19 31) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.25.40-40.25.46|AUTODETECT|” ); and the people who during their life on earth neglected to feed the hungry, entertain the stranger, clothe the poor, and visit the sick and the prisoner 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.25.40-40.25.46|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 25:40 46) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 James addresses the person who ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 knows) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.30|AUTODETECT|” the good he must do. He is not speaking to people who commit sin in ignorance. Says Paul to the Athenian philosophers on the Areopagus, In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.30|AUTODETECT|” Acts 17:30) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.4|AUTODETECT|” ). Sin is lawlessness, says John in one of his epistles 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.4|AUTODETECT|” I John 3:4) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Whether this is the sin of commission or omission, it is an affront to God, especially when the sinner knows God s commandments. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.12.23|AUTODETECT|” Sin ought never to be taken lightly. This is especially true of the sin of omission which is often given the innocuous appearance of oversight. But this is not so. Consider the farewell speech of Samuel. He says to the Israelites, As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.12.23|AUTODETECT|” I Sam. 12:23) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Samuel shunned the sin of neglect. Neglect is the equivalent of ignoring God and the neighbor and is therefore a sin against the law of God. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 4:16 17) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 16) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 ���� ���������� Q��� your pretensions is a literal translation of this phrase. A more idiomatic version is brag. ) ������� this correlative adjective denotes quality , not quantity. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 17) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 �0���� the perfect active participle in the dative singular masculine from the verb �6�� (I know how, understand how) refers to the present. ) ����� without the definite article, this substantive adjective means something good. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref42 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn42”
  1. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Summary of Chapter 4) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 3 3 8 0 0 James admonishes his readers to submit to God. He notes that the fights and quarrels that rage among them originate in hearts that are not in harmony with the will of God. The readers pray, but with the wrong motives: their requests are selfish prayers. ) The readers are developing a friendship with the world that makes them enemies of God. James proves his point by referring to the Old Testament Scriptures: God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Because God is gracious, the readers ought to submit to him. They have to resist the devil, cleanse themselves of sin, repent of their deeds, cease their slander, and stop judging others. ) James concludes this section by reminding the readers, especially the merchants, to trust in God and not in financial profits.

They know how to do the good; therefore they are under obligation to serve God and do his will. If they fail to do this, they sin. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn1 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref1” NKJV ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 New King James Version ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn2 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref2” 1 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Refer to Colin Brown, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 NIDNTT) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , vol. 3, p. 962. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn3 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref3” 2 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Gustav St�hlin, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 TDNT) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , vol. 2, p. 921. Also consult Erich Beyreuther, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 NIDNTT) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , vol. 1, p. 459. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn4 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref4” 3 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 For example, see KJV, NKJV, ASV, NASB, RSV, NAB, MLB. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn5 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref5” 4 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.29-40.5.30|AUTODETECT|” Consult ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.29-40.5.30|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 5:29 30) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.13|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 6:13) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.19|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.19|AUTODETECT|” 19) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.5|AUTODETECT|” 7:5) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.23|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.23|AUTODETECT|” 23) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.12.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.12.4|AUTODETECT|” 12:4) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.15|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 6:15) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.12.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.12.14|AUTODETECT|” 12:14) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.12.18|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.12.18|AUTODETECT|” 18) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.12.19|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.12.19|AUTODETECT|” 19) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.12.20|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.12.20|AUTODETECT|” 20) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.12.22|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.12.22|AUTODETECT|” 22) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.12.25|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.12.25|AUTODETECT|” 25) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.12.26|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.12.26|AUTODETECT|” 26) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.5|AUTODETECT|” Col. 3:5) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.3.5|AUTODETECT|” [nature]; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.3.5|AUTODETECT|” James 3:5) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.3.6|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.3.6|AUTODETECT|” 6) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . Also see Peter H. Davids, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Epistle of James: A Commentary on the Greek Text) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , New International Greek Testament Commentary series (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1982), p. 157. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn6 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref6” 5 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 The translators of the Dutch ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Staten Vertaling) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 of 1637 took the conjecture seriously and made it their translation: gij benijdt (you envy). Also see ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Moffatt) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , who puts you envy in his version. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn7 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref7” 6 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 C. Leslie Mitton, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Epistle of James) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1966), pp. 149 50. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn8 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref8” RSV ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Revised Standard Version ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn9 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref9” 7 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 A number of other English translations (NAB, NEB, JB, GNB, NASB) follow this punctuation. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn10 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref10” 8 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 James Hardy Ropes, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Epistle of James) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , International Critical Commentary series (1916; reprint ed., Edinburgh: Clark, 1961), p. 254. Also consult Sophie Laws, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 A Commentary on the Epistle of James) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , Harper s New Testament Commentaries (San Francisco: Harper and Row, 1980), p. 169; Mitton, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 James) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 147; Franz Mussner, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Der Jakobusbrief) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , 2d ed., Herder Theologischer Kommentar zum Neuen Testament series (Freiburg: Herder, 1967), p. 178. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn11 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref11” 9 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Martin Luther s ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Die Heilige Schrift) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 has ihr hasset (you hate). Donald W. Burdick takes the verb ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 to kill) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 as hyperbole for hatred. ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 James) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , vol. 12, the ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Expositor s Bible Commentary) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , ed. Frank E. Gaebelein, 12 vols. (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1981), p. 193. Also see D. Edmond Hiebert, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Epistle of James: Tests of a Living Faith) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Chicago: Moody, 1979), p. 246. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn12 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref12” 10 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 A. T. Robertson, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 A Grammar of the Greek New Testament in the Light of Historical Research) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Nashville: Broadman, 1934), p. 805. Also see Robert Hanna, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 A Grammatical Aid to the Greek New Testament) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1983), p. 419. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn13 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref13” 11 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 At least two English-language translations (KJV, NKJV) have the reading ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 adulterers and adulteresses) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . Bruce M. Metzger writes, When copyists, however, understood the word [adulteresses] here in its literal sense, they were puzzled why only women were mentioned and therefore considered it right to add a reference to men as well. ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 A Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , corrected ed. (London and New York: United Bible Societies, 1975), p. 683. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn14 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref14” 12 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Davids, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 James) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 161. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn15 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref15” 13 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Joseph B. Mayor writes that the person who is an enemy of God makes it his aim to be a friend of the world. ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Epistle of St. James) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (reprint ed., Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1946), p. 140. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn16 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref16” 14 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.7.38|AUTODETECT|” Quotations from unknown sources, even those introduced as Scripture, occur in other texts 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.7.38|AUTODETECT|” John 7:38) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.2.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.2.9|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 2:9) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.14|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 5:14) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ; also consult I Clem. 23:3; 46:2). ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn17 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref17” 15 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.4.5|AUTODETECT|” Martin Dibelius writes that in ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.4.5|AUTODETECT|” James 4:5) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 we have some sort of prophetic word, i.e., an apocryphal book which is considered holy. ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 James: A Commentary on the Epistle of James) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.17|AUTODETECT|” , rev. Heinrich Greeven, trans. Michael A. Williams, ed. Helmut K�ster, Hermeneia: A Critical and Historical Commentary on the Bible (Philadelphia: Fortress, 1976), p. 223. John Albert Bengel infers that the quotation is from the New Testament, because the words of James are near enough to ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.17|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 5:17) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , and following verses. ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Gnomon of the New Testament) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , ed. Andrew R. Fausset, 5 vols., 7th ed. (Edinburgh: Clark, 1877), vol. 5, p. 31. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn18 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref18” 16 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 The MLB follows the translation and the marginal notes of the RV and the ASV. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn19 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref19” 17 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Sophie Laws, Does Scripture speak in vain? ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 NTS) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 20 (1974): 213. Also see Laws, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 James) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 176. And refer to Mussner, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Der Jakobusbrief) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 182. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn20 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref20” NIV ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 New International Version ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn21 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref21” 18 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Bauer, p. 857. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn22 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref22” 19 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 David H. Field, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 NIDNTT) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , vol. 1, pp. 557 58. And consult R. C. Trench, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Synonyms of the New Testament) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (1854; reprint ed., Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1953), pp. 89 90. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn23 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref23” 20 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Heidelberg Catechism, question and answer 5. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn24 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref24” 21 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Gerald Barry Stanton, Pride, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 EDT) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 874. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn25 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref25” 22 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Bauer, p. 841. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn26 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref26” 23 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 John Calvin comments, But if anyone concludes from this passage, that the first part of the work belongs to us, and that afterwards the grace of God follows, the Apostle meant no such thing; & but the very thing [the Spirit of God] bids us do, he himself fulfils in us. ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Commentaries on the Catholic Epistles: The Epistle of James) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , ed. and trans. John Owen (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1948), p. 334. Also consult C. Leslie Mitton, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Epistle of James) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1966), p. 158; and D. Edmond Hiebert, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Epistle of James: Tests of a Living Faith) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Chicago: Moody, 1979), p. 262. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn27 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref27” 24 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.26.6|AUTODETECT|” The Old and the New Testaments have many references to the ritual of washing hands. Among them are ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.26.6|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 26:6) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.73.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.73.13|AUTODETECT|” 73:13) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.1.15-23.1.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.1.15-23.1.16|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 1:15 16) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.24|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 27:24) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn28 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref28” 25 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Hans-Georg Link and Johannes Schattenmann, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 NIDNTT) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , vol. 3, p. 106. And consult Friedrich Hauck, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 TDNT) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , vol. 3, p. 425. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn29 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref29” 26 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Karl Heinrich Rengstorf, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 TDNT) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , vol. 1, p. 327, observes that the term partly means those who live a flagrantly immoral life, and partly those who follow a dishonourable vocation. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn30 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref30” 27 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Augustine writes, If you ask me what is the first precept of the Christian religion, I will answer, first, second, and third, Humility. And see R. E. O. White, Humility, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 EDT) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 537. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn31 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref31” 28 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Thayer, p. 614. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn32 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref32” 29 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Compare R. V. G. Tasker, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The General Epistle of James: An Introduction and Commentary) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , Tyndale New Testament Commentaries (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1957), p. 99. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn33 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref33” 30 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Slander is not a transgression of merely one commandment, but a transgression against the authority of the law in general, and therefore against God. Dibelius, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 James) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 228. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn34 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref34” 31 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Mayor, in ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 James) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 153, writes, The appeal to knowledge here, as above in 1:19, is a proof that the writer is addressing Christians. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn35 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref35” 32 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.4.13|AUTODETECT|” Even though the introductory phrases in ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.4.13|AUTODETECT|” James 4:13) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 and 5:1 are identical , the content of the two passages and succeeding verses is unrelated. Consult E. C. Blackman, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Epistle of James) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (London: SCM, 1957), p. 137. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn36 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref36” 33 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Writes Calvin, But James roused the stupidity of those who disregarded God s providence, and claimed for themselves a whole year, though they had not a single moment in their own power. ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 James) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 340. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn37 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref37” 34 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Westminster Shorter Catechism, question and answer 1. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn38 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref38” 35 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Dibelius, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 James) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , pp. 233 34, has collected a number of instances in Greek and Latin literature to prove that the expression ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 if God wills) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 or something similar was common in the pagan world. This observation, however, in no way detracts from the purpose of the New Testament writers: to teach the believers to trust in God. Also consult Gottlob Schrenk, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 TDNT) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , vol. 3, p. 47. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn39 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref39” 36 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 See David W. Gill, Secularism, Secular Humanism, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 EDT) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , pp. 996 97. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn40 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref40” 37 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 C. F. D. Moule, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 An Idiom-Book of New Testament Greek) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , 2d ed. (Cambridge: At the University Press, 1960), p. 124; Robertson, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Grammar) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 961. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn41 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref41” 38 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Hans-Christoph Hahn, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 NIDNTT) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , vol. 1, p. 229. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn42 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref42” 39 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Friedrich Blass and Albert Debrunner, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 A Greek Grammar of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , trans. and rev. Robert Funk (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1961), sec. 264(2).)

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