James 4:13–15

Context

The Epistle of James has traditionally been regarded as a letter written by James, the brother of Jesus, to Jewish Christians living in the dispersion. Chapter 4 warns against quarreling and friendship with the world, exhorts readers to humble themselves before God (4:10), and continues with the instruction not to speak evil of or judge one's brother (4:11–12). The words "Go to now" in verse 13 open a new section. This section addresses those who say they will "go into such a city" and trade there for a year to make a profit. James reminds them that they "know not what shall be on the morrow" and that life "is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away" (4:14). Verse 16 calls such plans "boastings," and verse 17 concludes that to know good and not do it is sin. A sterner warning to the rich follows in 5:1–6.

Interpretation

• A reading centered on humility and dependence: Commentaries and sermons from many denominations hold that the passage does not forbid planning or commerce as such. What it condemns is the pride that leaves God out of one's calculations and boasts in one's own strength. It is read in continuity with 4:6, "God resisteth the proud."
• A reading centered on the doctrine of providence: The Reformed tradition frequently cites this passage as a proof text for the doctrine of providence, the teaching that God governs all things. It is read as a confession that human life and human plans lie within the will of God.
• A reading centered on practical living: The Wesleyan tradition and Holiness denominations connect the passage with the emphasis, found throughout James, on expressing faith in action in everyday life. They therefore tend to read it less as a doctrinal statement than as an exhortation concerning the life of sanctification.
• Views on the audience: Because the passage addresses those "among you" who make such plans, many scholars take it as directed to merchants within the church. Others regard it as a rhetorical appeal aimed at people outside the community, like the rich addressed in chapter 5.

Questions of Application

• The danger of a verbal habit: Whether one must always add the words "If the Lord will" is a question often raised. Paul used similar expressions, such as "if the Lord permit," but did not do so invariably. Many interpreters therefore conclude that the point lies not in a habit of speech but in the attitude of the heart. In Western Christianity there was reportedly a custom of writing the Latin phrase Deo volente ("God willing"), or its abbreviation D.V., in letters.
• Relation to confident declarations: Some critics contrast the attitude of this passage with prosperity theology, which teaches believers to declare future success by faith.
• Translation: The Greek word atmis in verse 14, rendered "vapour" in the KJV and "mist" in some versions, can also be translated "steam" or "smoke." Manuscripts show minor differences in the wording of verse 14, but these are generally regarded as having little effect on the meaning.

In the Korean Church

The passage is frequently cited in New Year's sermons on making plans for the year and at Watch Night services. Its statements on the brevity of life are also used in sermons at funeral services. Among church members, expressions such as "If it is the Lord's will" and "If God permits" are in everyday use.

Related Passages

• Proverbs 27:1
• Proverbs 16:1–3
• Proverbs 19:21
• Luke 12:16–21
• 1 Corinthians 4:19