James 4:13
Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make a profit."
Come now
This phrase serves as a call to attention, urging the reader or listener to pause and consider the message that follows. In the Greek, "Ἄγε νῦν" (age nyn) is an imperative, suggesting urgency and importance. It is a rhetorical device used by James to engage his audience, drawing them into a moment of reflection and self-examination. Historically, this approach is consistent with the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, where the reader is often called to listen and heed wise counsel.

you who say
This phrase identifies the audience James is addressing—those who make presumptive plans without considering God's will. The Greek "οἱ λέγοντες" (hoi legontes) implies an ongoing action, suggesting that this is a habitual mindset. In the broader scriptural context, this reflects a common human tendency to rely on one's own understanding and plans, reminiscent of Proverbs 3:5-6, which advises trust in the Lord over one's own insight.

Today or tomorrow
These words highlight the immediacy and certainty with which people often plan their lives. The Greek "σήμερον ἢ αὔριον" (sēmeron ē aurion) underscores the presumption of control over time, a concept that is challenged throughout scripture. The historical context of the early Christian church, which faced persecution and uncertainty, would have made this presumption particularly poignant, reminding believers of the transient nature of life.

we will go to this or that city
This phrase reflects the mobility and commercial activity of the time. The Greek "πορευσόμεθα εἰς τήνδε τὴν πόλιν" (poreusometha eis tēnde tēn polin) suggests a confident assertion of future actions. In the historical context of the Roman Empire, travel and trade were common, yet James challenges the assumption that such plans are within human control, pointing instead to the sovereignty of God over all endeavors.

spend a year there
This indicates a specific timeframe for the plans being made. The Greek "ποιήσομεν ἐκεῖ ἐνιαυτόν" (poiēsomen ekei eniauton) conveys a sense of settled intention. Biblically, the concept of time is often linked to God's purposes, as seen in Ecclesiastes 3:1, which speaks of a time for every activity under heaven. James reminds his audience that human plans are subject to divine will.

carry on business
This phrase refers to the commercial activities intended to generate profit. The Greek "ἐμπορευσόμεθα" (emporeusometha) is related to the word for trade or commerce. In the scriptural context, business is not condemned, but the attitude of self-reliance and exclusion of God from one's plans is. The Bible consistently teaches that all endeavors should be undertaken with a recognition of God's ultimate authority and provision.

and make a profit
The desire for profit is a natural human inclination, yet James warns against the presumption that success is guaranteed. The Greek "καὶ κερδήσομεν" (kai kerdēsomen) implies a confident expectation of gain. Historically, profit was a common goal in the trade-oriented society of the time, but James echoes the biblical theme that true gain is found in alignment with God's will, as seen in Matthew 6:19-21, which advises storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth.

Persons / Places / Events
1. James
The author of the epistle, traditionally identified as James, the brother of Jesus and a leader in the early Jerusalem church. He writes with authority and pastoral concern for the spiritual well-being of his readers.

2. Merchants/Business People
The individuals addressed in this verse are those who plan their business ventures with confidence in their own ability to control the future, without acknowledging God's sovereignty.

3. Cities
Represents the various places where people plan to conduct their business. In the ancient world, cities were centers of commerce and trade.

4. Time (Today or Tomorrow)
Indicates the human tendency to plan for the future with certainty, assuming control over time and events.

5. Profit
The goal of the business ventures, highlighting the focus on material gain and self-reliance.
Teaching Points
Acknowledge God's Sovereignty
Recognize that all plans should be made with the understanding that God is in control. Our lives are subject to His will, and we should seek His guidance in all our endeavors.

Humility in Planning
Approach future plans with humility, acknowledging our limitations and the uncertainty of life. This humility should lead us to depend on God rather than our own understanding.

Eternal Perspective
Focus on what truly matters—our relationship with God and His kingdom. Material success is fleeting, but spiritual growth and obedience have eternal significance.

Trust in God's Provision
Instead of being anxious about future success or failure, trust that God will provide for our needs as we align our lives with His purposes.

Live in the Present
While planning is not inherently wrong, we should not be so focused on the future that we neglect the opportunities and responsibilities of the present moment.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does James 4:13 challenge our modern culture's emphasis on self-reliance and planning for the future?

2. In what ways can we incorporate an acknowledgment of God's will into our daily decision-making and planning?

3. Reflect on a time when your plans did not go as expected. How did that experience shape your understanding of God's sovereignty?

4. How can we balance responsible planning with a trust in God's provision and timing?

5. What steps can you take to ensure that your goals and ambitions align with seeking first the kingdom of God, as taught in Matthew 6:33-34?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Proverbs 27:1
This verse warns against boasting about tomorrow, as no one knows what a day may bring. It connects to James 4:13 by emphasizing the uncertainty of life and the need for humility.

Luke 12:16-21
The parable of the rich fool illustrates the folly of storing up earthly wealth without being "rich toward God," paralleling the warning in James about presuming upon the future.

Matthew 6:33-34
Jesus teaches to seek first the kingdom of God and not to worry about tomorrow, which aligns with James' call to trust in God's providence rather than our own plans.
A Holy .Frame of MindJ. J. Van Oosterzee.James 4:13-17
A Jewish StoryDebarim Rabba.James 4:13-17
A Principle, not a RuleA. Plummer, D. D.James 4:13-17
A True Estimate of LifeJ. F. Whitty.James 4:13-17
Boastful GloryingC. H. Spurgeon.James 4:13-17
BoastingA. J. Macleane, M. A.James 4:13-17
BoastingsDean Plumptre.James 4:13-17
Changes in LifeBp. Jeremy Taylor.James 4:13-17
Earnest LivingT. L. Cuyler, D. D.James 4:13-17
Estimates of LifeJames 4:13-17
Evil BoastingOld . English Author.James 4:13-17
Godless MerchantsU. R. Thomas.James 4:13-17
God's Will About the FutureC. H. Spurgeon.James 4:13-17
God's Will About the FutureC. H. Spurgeon.James 4:13-17
Holy Forms of SpeechT. Manton.James 4:13-17
Human Life TransitoryE. N. Kirk, D. D.James 4:13-17
IfR. R. Shippen.James 4:13-17
If the Lord WillA. Raleigh, D. D.James 4:13-17
Ignorance of the FutureR. Wardlaw, D. D.James 4:13-17
Impossible to Forecast EventsJames 4:13-17
LifeJ. H. Evans, M. A.James 4:13-17
Life a Divine Gift and DisciplineJ. A. Anderson.James 4:13-17
Life Precious Because BriefJames 4:13-17
Man Proposes, But God DisposesC. Jerdan James 4:13-17
Man's Ignorance of the FutureR. C. Dillon, D. D.James 4:13-17
Man's Life and God's ProvidenceT. E. Thoresby.James 4:13-17
Presumptuous Language Respecting FuturityR. Walker.James 4:13-17
Recognition of God's WillR. Turnbull.James 4:13-17
Religion and BusinessJ. G. Rogers, B. A.James 4:13-17
Shortness of LifeDr. Wise.James 4:13-17
Sin Against KnowledgeJ. Trapp.James 4:13-17
Sinful Confidence Regarding the FutureJohn Adam.James 4:13-17
Sinful Neglect of DutyR. Walker.James 4:13-17
Sins of EmissionBp. Stillingfleet.James 4:13-17
The Absorbing Interest of Worldly Business to be Guarded AgainstA. S. Patterson, D. D.James 4:13-17
The Brevity of LifeJames Bolton, B. A.James 4:13-17
The Christian BusinessS. Pearson, M. A.James 4:13-17
The Danger of the BoasterJ. Gilmour, M. A.James 4:13-17
The Duty of Reference to the Divine WillG. T. Shedd, D. D.James 4:13-17
The FutureArchdeacon Farrar.James 4:13-17
The Jews and TradeStarkeJames 4:13-17
The Possibilities of LifeW. L. Watkinson.James 4:13-17
The Providence of God and the Providence of ManHomilistJames 4:13-17
The Responsibility of KnowledgeF. H. Roberts.James 4:13-17
The Wisdom of the Divine WillJames 4:13-17
What is LifeT. De Witt Talmage.James 4:13-17
What is LifeJ. Parker, D. D.James 4:13-17
What is LifeJ. G. Hall, D. D.James 4:13-17
What is Your LifeC. H. Spurgeon.James 4:13-17
What is Your LifeJames Vaughan, M. A.James 4:13-17
What is Your Life?Bp. Harvey Goodwin.James 4:13-17
What is Your Life?G. Huntington.James 4:13-17
What is Your Life?J. Parker, D. D.James 4:13-17
What is Your Life?T.F. Lockyer James 4:13-17
People
James
Places
Dispersion
Topics
Business, Buy, Carry, Continue, Engage, Foolish, Gain, Let's, Money, Morrow, Pass, Profit, Saying, Sell, Spend, Successful, To-day, Tomorrow, To-morrow, Town, Trade, Traffic, Wealth
Dictionary of Bible Themes
James 4:13

     5242   buying and selling
     5415   money, uses of
     5590   travel
     8801   presumption

James 4:13-14

     8032   trust, lack of

James 4:13-15

     4016   life, human
     4971   seasons, of life
     5002   human race, and creation
     5326   government
     5917   plans
     8125   guidance, promise
     8410   decision-making, examples
     8438   giving, of time

James 4:13-16

     5413   money, attitudes
     5550   speech, negative
     5587   trade
     5943   self-deception
     6121   boasting
     6182   ignorance, human situation
     6186   evil scheming
     8820   self-confidence

James 4:13-17

     4966   present, the
     5960   success

Library
December 29 Evening
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.--JAMES 4:8. Enoch walked with God.--Can two walk together, except they be agreed?--It is good for me to draw near to God. The Lord is with you, while ye be with him: and if ye seek him, he will be found of you: but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you. When they in their trouble did turn unto the Lord God of Israel, and sought him, he was found of them. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

December 26. "The Spirit that Dwelleth in us Lusteth to Envy" (James iv. 5).
"The Spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy" (James iv. 5). This beautiful passage has been unhappily translated in our Revised Version: "The Spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy." It ought to be, "The Spirit that dwelleth in us loveth us to jealousy." It is the figure of a love that suffers because of its intense regard for the loved object. The Holy Ghost is so anxious to accomplish in us and for us the highest will of God, and to receive from us the truest love for Christ, our Divine
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

December 19. "God Giveth Grace unto the Humble" (James iv. 6).
"God giveth grace unto the humble" (James iv. 6). One of the marks of highest worth is deep lowliness. The shallow nature, conscious of its weakness and insufficiency, is always trying to advertise itself and make sure of its being appreciated. The strong nature, conscious of its strength, is willing to wait and let its work be made manifest in due time. Indeed, the truest natures are so free from all self-consciousness and self-consideration that their object is not to be appreciated, understood
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

April 4. "Resist the Devil and He Will Flee" (James iv. 7).
"Resist the devil and he will flee" (James iv. 7). Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. This is a promise, and God will keep it to us. If we resist the adversary, He will compel him to flee, and will give us the victory. We can, at all times, fearlessly stand up in defiance, in resistance to the enemy, and claim the protection of our heavenly King just as a citizen would claim the protection of the government against an outrage or injustice on the part of violent men. At the same time we
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The Approbation of Goodness is not the Love of It.
ROMANS ii. 21--23.--"Thou therefore which, teachest another, teachest Thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? thou that makest thy boast of the law, through, breaking the law dishonorest thou God?" The apostle Paul is a very keen and cogent reasoner. Like a powerful logician who is confident that he has the truth upon his side,
William G.T. Shedd—Sermons to the Natural Man

God's Will About the Future
EDITOR'S NOTE: This Sermon was published the week of Spurgeon's death. The great preacher died in Mentone, France, January 31, 1892. This and the next few Sermons in the Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit were printed with a black mourning band circling the margins. A footnote appeared from the original editors, commenting on the providential selection of this message for that particular week: * It is remarkable that the sermon selected for this week should be so peculiarly suitable for the present trying
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 38: 1892

The Lack of Prayer
"Ye have not, because ye ask not."--JAS. iv. 2. "And He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor."--ISA. lix. 16. "There is none that calleth upon Thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of Thee."--ISA. lxiv. 7. At our last Wellington Convention for the Deepening of the Spiritual Life, in April, the forenoon meetings were devoted to prayer and intercession. Great blessing was found, both in listening to what the Word teaches of their need and power, and in joining
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

Addresses on Holiness,
IN EXETER HALL. FIRST ADDRESS. I think it must be self-evident to everyone present that it is the most important question that can possibly occupy the mind of man--how much like God we can be--how near to God we can come on earth preparatory to our being perfectly like Him, and living, as it were, in His very heart for ever and ever in Heaven. Anyone who has any measure of the Spirit of God, must perceive that this is the most important question on which we can concentrate our thoughts; and the
Catherine Booth—Godliness

But Though Prayer is Properly Confined to Vows and Supplications...
But though prayer is properly confined to vows and supplications, yet so strong is the affinity between petition and thanksgiving, that both may be conveniently comprehended under one name. For the forms which Paul enumerates (1 Tim. 2:1) fall under the first member of this division. By prayer and supplication we pour out our desires before God, asking as well those things which tend to promote his glory and display his name, as the benefits which contribute to our advantage. By thanksgiving we duly
John Calvin—Of Prayer--A Perpetual Exercise of Faith

"What is Your Life?"
"Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even as a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away."--JAS. iv. 14. AN OLD YEAR SERMON TO-MORROW, the first day of a new year, is a day of wishes. To-day, the last day of an old year, is a day of questions. Tomorrow is a time of anticipation; to-day a time of reflection. To-morrow our thoughts will go away out to the coming opportunities, and the larger vistas which the future is opening up to even
Henry Drummond—The Ideal Life

The Right to My Own Time
"Come now, ye that say, Today or tomorrow we will go into this city, and spend a year there, and trade, and get gain: whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow.... For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall both live, and do this or that."--James 4:13-15 "Mrs. Ning and I are going out to see Grandma Woo, who has been sick. Wouldn't you like to come too?" I was sitting at my desk, with all the paraphernalia of Chinese study spread out before me. I looked at my desk, looked at the
Mabel Williamson—Have We No Rights?

Next Let not Man, Now that He Knoweth that by the Grace of God...
44. Next let not man, now that he knoweth that by the grace of God he is what he is, fall into another snare of pride, so as by lifting up himself for the very grace of God to despise the rest. By which fault that other Pharisee both gave thanks unto God for the goods which he had, and yet vaunted himself above the Publican confessing his sins. What therefore should a virgin do, what should she think, that she vaunt not herself above those, men or women, who have not this so great gift? For she ought
St. Augustine—Of Holy Virginity.

Whether Strife is a Daughter of Anger?
Objection 1: It would seem that strife is not a daughter of anger. For it is written (James 4:1): "Whence are wars and contentions? Are they not . . . from your concupiscences, which war in your members?" But anger is not in the concupiscible faculty. Therefore strife is a daughter, not of anger, but of concupiscence. Objection 2: Further, it is written (Prov. 28:25): "He that boasteth and puffeth up himself, stirreth up quarrels." Now strife is apparently the same as quarrel. Therefore it seems
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Quarreling is Opposed to the virtue of Friendship or Affability?
Objection 1: It seems that quarreling is not opposed to the virtue of friendship or affability. For quarreling seems to pertain to discord, just as contention does. But discord is opposed to charity, as stated above ([3236]Q[37], A[1]). Therefore quarreling is also. Objection 2: Further, it is written (Prov. 26:21): "An angry man stirreth up strife." Now anger is opposed to meekness. Therefore strife or quarreling is also. Objection 3: Further, it is written (James 4:1): "From whence are wars and
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Backbiting is a Graver Sin than Tale-Bearing?
Objection 1: It would seem that backbiting is a graver sin than tale-bearing. For sins of word consist in speaking evil. Now a backbiter speaks of his neighbor things that are evil simply, for such things lead to the loss or depreciation of his good name: whereas a tale-bearer is only intent on saying what is apparently evil, because to wit they are unpleasant to the hearer. Therefore backbiting is a graver sin than tale-bearing. Objection 2: Further, he that deprives. a man of his good name, deprives
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Every Sin Includes an Action?
Objection 1: It would seem that every sin includes an action. For as merit is compared with virtue, even so is sin compared with vice. Now there can be no merit without an action. Neither, therefore, can there be sin without action. Objection 2: Further, Augustine says (De Lib. Arb. iii, 18) [*Cf. De Vera Relig. xiv.]: So "true is it that every sin is voluntary, that, unless it be voluntary, it is no sin at all." Now nothing can be voluntary, save through an act of the will. Therefore every sin implies
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Reason Can be Overcome by a Passion, against Its Knowledge?
Objection 1: It would seem that the reason cannot be overcome by a passion, against its knowledge. For the stronger is not overcome by the weaker. Now knowledge, on account of its certitude, is the strongest thing in us. Therefore it cannot be overcome by a passion, which is weak and soon passes away. Objection 2: Further, the will is not directed save to the good or the apparent good. Now when a passion draws the will to that which is really good, it does not influence the reason against its knowledge;
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Gift of Knowledge is Practical Knowledge?
Objection 1: It would seem that the knowledge, which is numbered among the gifts, is practical knowledge. For Augustine says (De Trin. xii, 14) that "knowledge is concerned with the actions in which we make use of external things." But the knowledge which is concerned about actions is practical. Therefore the gift of knowledge is practical. Objection 2: Further, Gregory says (Moral. i, 32): "Knowledge is nought if it hath not its use for piety . . . and piety is very useless if it lacks the discernment
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Omission is a Special Sin?
Objection 1: It would seem that omission is not a special sin. For every sin is either original or actual. Now omission is not original sin, for it is not contracted through origin nor is it actual sin, for it may be altogether without act, as stated above ([2975]FS, Q[71], A[5]) when we were treating of sins in general. Therefore omission is not a special sin. Objection 2: Further, every sin is voluntary. Now omission sometimes is not voluntary but necessary, as when a woman is violated after taking
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether a Movement of Faith is Required for the Justification of the Ungodly?
Objection 1: It would seem that no movement of faith is required for the justification of the ungodly. For as a man is justified by faith, so also by other things, viz. by fear, of which it is written (Ecclus. 1:27): "The fear of the Lord driveth out sin, for he that is without fear cannot be justified"; and again by charity, according to Lk. 7:47: "Many sins are forgiven her because she hath loved much"; and again by humility, according to James 4:6: "God resisteth the proud and giveth grace to
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Humility is the Greatest of the virtues?
Objection 1: It would seem that humility is the greatest of the virtues. For Chrysostom, expounding the story of the Pharisee and the publican (Lk. 18), says [*Eclog. hom. vii de Humil. Animi.] that "if humility is such a fleet runner even when hampered by sin that it overtakes the justice that is the companion of pride, whither will it not reach if you couple it with justice? It will stand among the angels by the judgment seat of God." Hence it is clear that humility is set above justice. Now justice
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Pride is the Most Grievous of Sins?
Objection 1: It would seem that pride is not the most grievous of sins. For the more difficult a sin is to avoid, the less grievous it would seem to be. Now pride is most difficult to avoid; for Augustine says in his Rule (Ep. ccxi), "Other sins find their vent in the accomplishment of evil deeds, whereas pride lies in wait for good deeds to destroy them." Therefore pride is not the most grievous of sins. Objection 2: Further, "The greater evil is opposed to the greater good," as the Philosopher
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether it was Fitting that the Mother of God Should Go to the Temple to be Purified?
Objection 1: It would seem that it was unfitting for the Mother of God to go to the Temple to be purified. For purification presupposes uncleanness. But there was no uncleanness in the Blessed Virgin, as stated above (QQ[27],28). Therefore she should not have gone to the Temple to be purified. Objection 2: Further, it is written (Lev. 12:2-4): "If a woman, having received seed, shall bear a man-child, she shall be unclean seven days"; and consequently she is forbidden "to enter into the sanctuary
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Christ Should have Been Baptized in the Jordan?
Objection 1: It would seem that Christ should not have been baptized in the Jordan. For the reality should correspond to the figure. But baptism was prefigured in the crossing of the Red Sea, where the Egyptians were drowned, just as our sins are blotted out in baptism. Therefore it seems that Christ should rather have been baptized in the sea than in the river Jordan. Objection 2: Further, "Jordan" is interpreted a "going down." But by baptism a man goes up rather than down: wherefore it is written
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

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