◄ James 4 ►
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Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
A Warning against Pride 1What causes conflicts and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from the passions at war within you?a 2You crave what you do not have; you kill and covet, but are unable to obtain it. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask. 3And when you do ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may squander it on your pleasures. 4You adulteresses!b Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever chooses to be a friend of the world renders himselfc an enemy of God. 5Or do you think the Scripture says without reason that the Spiritd He caused to dwell in us yearns with envy? 6But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”e Drawing Near to God 7Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9Grieve, mourn, and weep. Turn your laughter to mourning, and your joy to gloom. 10Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you. 11Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. And if you judge the law, you are not a practitioner of the law, but a judge of it. 12There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor? Do Not Boast about Tomorrow (Proverbs 27:1) 13Come 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.” 14You 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. 15Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.” 16As it is, you boast in your proud intentions. All such boasting is evil. 17Anyone, then, who knows the right thing to do, yet fails to do it, is guilty of sin. Footnotes: 1 a Literally passions warring among your members? 4 b See Hosea 3:1. 4 c Or is appointed 5 d Or the spirit 6 e Proverbs 3:34 (see also LXX) Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub James 4 Summary A Warning against Pride Verses 1–3 – Where the Fighting Comes From James traces church conflicts to “passions that wage war within you.” Ungoverned desires birth envy, strife, and unanswered prayer because requests are self-centered rather than God-centered. Verses 4–6 – Double-Mindedness Exposed To crave the world’s ways is “adultery” against God. The Spirit “yearns jealously” for our full loyalty, yet “He gives more grace.” Scripture sums it up: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Verses 7–10 – Drawing Near to God in Humility Submit to God, resist the devil, and he must flee. Cleansing hands, purifying hearts, grieving over sin, and bowing low before the Lord leads to His lifting us up. Verses 11–12 – Stop Playing Judge Speaking evil of fellow believers places us above God’s law. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, and we are not Him. Verses 13–17 – Planning Without God Confident business plans that ignore God are short-sighted. “You are a vapor.” The right posture is, “If the Lord wills.” To know the good and refuse it is sin. James 4 provides valuable insight into the pitfalls of worldliness and self-centered desires that often lead to conflicts. This chapter expounds on the dangers of aligning with the world, the importance of humbling oneself before God, the sin of judging others, and the presumption about the uncertainty of life. It calls Christians towards a lifestyle of humble obedience and reverence towards God, while rejecting worldly ways. Historical Background • Author: James, half-brother of Jesus (Matthew 13:55), leader of the Jerusalem church (Acts 15). • Date: Early-to-mid AD 40s, making it one of the earliest New-Testament writings. • Audience: “The twelve tribes in the Dispersion” (1:1)—Jewish believers scattered after persecution (Acts 8:1). They faced social tension, poverty, and temptations to adopt worldly values to get ahead. James writes like a prophet, confronting compromise and calling for wholehearted faith. Literary Flow and Structure Chapter 4 sits between warnings about dead faith (ch. 2) and wealth (ch. 5). The pattern: 1. Identify the problem (inner cravings). 2. Name the spiritual reality (friendship with the world). 3. Prescribe the cure (humble submission). 4. Expose a second problem (judging others). 5. Address presumptuous planning. Together the chapter forms a mirror: self-centered desire → humble surrender → self-centered speech → humble dependence. Key Themes and Practical Applications 1. Inner wars produce outer wars. Deal with the heart, not merely symptoms (see Mark 7:20-23). 2. God’s jealousy shows His covenant love (Exodus 34:14). He will not share us with competing loyalties. 3. Humility is the doorway to grace (1 Peter 5:5; Proverbs 3:34). 4. Spiritual warfare is resisted, not negotiated—“Resist the devil” (Ephesians 6:13). 5. Speech policing others while ignoring self invites judgment (Matthew 7:1-5). 6. Life is short; planning minus God is arrogance. Compare the parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:16-21). 7. Knowing right but refusing it turns knowledge into guilt (Luke 12:47). Connections to Jesus’ Teaching • “Adulterous generation” (Matthew 12:39) parallels James 4:4. • “Blessed are the meek… the pure in heart… those who mourn” (Matthew 5:3-8) echoes verses 7-10. • “Do not swear by heaven… let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’” (Matthew 5:34-37) anticipates 4:13-16 about speech and plans. • “Judge not” (Matthew 7:1-2) is restated in 4:11-12. Old Testament Echoes • Proverbs 3:34 directly quoted. • Psalm 24:3-4—clean hands and pure heart—mirrors 4:8. • Proverbs 27:1—“Do not boast about tomorrow”—lies beneath 4:13-14. • Hosea’s marriage imagery informs James’ charge of spiritual adultery. Language Insights • “Passions” (Greek hēdonōn) is root of “hedonism,” pointing to pleasure-driven motives. • “Submit” (hypotagēte) pictures lining up under a commander’s orders. • “Resist” (antistēte) is a military stance—hold your ground. • “Devil” (diabolos) means slanderer, tying back to the warning about speaking evil. • “Vapor” (atmis) also means breath or mist; used in the Septuagint for Ecclesiastes’ “vanity.” Archaeological Notes • First-century marketplaces (agorai) were economic hubs where itinerant merchants (4:13) negotiated seasonal trade routes stretching from Judea to Asia Minor. Uneven harvests made quick profit tempting, especially for émigré Jews. • Roman legal culture allowed public lawsuits, explaining why slander and judgment within Christian gatherings were urgent matters (cf. 1 Corinthians 6:1-8). • Mikva’ot (ritual baths) discovered around Jerusalem illuminate James’ call to “cleanse your hands” as an everyday image his Jewish readers knew well. Comparative Passages in the Epistles • Galatians 5:17—flesh desires vs. Spirit, paralleling inner war. • 1 Peter 2:11—“Passions wage war against your soul.” • Romans 12:1-3—humble service, renewed mind, sober self-assessment instead of judging. • Hebrews 3:13—sin’s deceit warns against presumption. Living It Out Today 1. Diagnose conflict by tracing it to personal cravings—status, comfort, control—and repent at the root. 2. Regularly declare, “If the Lord wills,” not as ritual but as heart posture. 3. Replace gossip with intercession; pray for the person you’re tempted to critique. 4. Practice quick obedience—doing the good you know—before analysis turns into avoidance. 5. Keep short accounts with God: draw near daily, confess quickly, celebrate His greater grace. Connections to Additional Scriptures Philippians 2:3-4 Encourages believers to do nothing out of selfish ambition and to consider others above themselves. 1 Peter 5:5-6 Reinforces the call to humility, reminding us that God gives grace to the humble. Matthew 6:33 Urges us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Proverbs 27:1 Warns against boasting about tomorrow, echoing James' message about the uncertainty of life. Teaching Points The Source of Conflicts James 4:1-2 highlights that conflicts and quarrels stem from our own desires and passions that battle within us. Our covetousness and unmet desires lead to strife. Friendship with the World In James 4:4, we are reminded that friendship with the world is enmity with God. Aligning ourselves with worldly values puts us at odds with God's kingdom. The Call to Humility James 4:6-10 emphasizes the importance of humility. God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). We are called to submit to God, resist the devil, and draw near to Him. Judging Others James 4:11-12 warns against speaking evil of one another and judging others. We are reminded that there is only one Lawgiver and Judge. The Uncertainty of Life James 4:13-16 cautions against boasting about tomorrow. Our lives are but a mist, and we should acknowledge God's sovereignty over our plans. Practical Applications Examine Your Desires Regularly assess your desires and motivations. Are they aligned with God's will, or are they driven by selfish ambition? Cultivate Humility Practice humility by submitting to God in prayer and seeking His guidance in all areas of life. Resist Worldly Temptations Be vigilant against the lure of worldly values and strive to live according to God's standards. Avoid Judging Others Focus on your own walk with God and refrain from judging others. Encourage and uplift your fellow believers instead. Acknowledge God's Sovereignty In your planning and decision-making, always seek God's will and remain open to His direction. People 1. The Adulterous People James 4:4 refers to "You adulteresses!" This term is used metaphorically to describe those who are unfaithful to God by befriending the world. The Greek word used here is "μοιχαλίδες" (moichalides), which literally means "adulteresses," indicating spiritual unfaithfulness. 2. God Throughout James 4, God is referenced as the ultimate authority and judge. For example, James 4:6 states, "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'" The passage emphasizes God's role in giving grace and opposing pride. 3. The Devil In James 4:7, the devil is mentioned: "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." The Greek word for devil is "διάβολος" (diabolos), meaning accuser or slanderer, highlighting the adversarial role of the devil. 4. The Proud James 4:6 mentions "the proud," stating that "God opposes the proud." The Greek word for proud is "ὑπερήφανος" (hyperēphanos), which refers to those who are arrogant or haughty. 5. The Humble Also in James 4:6, "the humble" are mentioned as recipients of God's grace: "but gives grace to the humble." The Greek word for humble is "ταπεινός" (tapeinos), indicating those who are lowly or modest in spirit. 6. The Sinners James 4:8 calls for sinners to purify their hearts: "Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." The Greek word for sinners is "ἁμαρτωλοί" (hamartōloi), referring to those who miss the mark or fall short of God's standards. 7. The Double-Minded In the same verse, James 4:8, the "double-minded" are addressed: "purify your hearts, you double-minded." The Greek term is "δίψυχοι" (dipsychoi), meaning those who are wavering or indecisive in their faith and loyalty. 8. The Lawgiver and Judge James 4:12 refers to God as the "Lawgiver and Judge": "There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and destroy." This emphasizes God's unique authority and power over life and judgment. Places 1. The World James 4:4 refers to "friendship with the world" as enmity with God. The "world" here is not a physical location but a metaphorical place representing worldly values and systems that are opposed to God's ways. The Greek word used is "kosmos," which often denotes the secular world order. 2. The Heart In James 4:8, the call to "purify your hearts" suggests an internal place where one's intentions and desires reside. The heart, in biblical terms, is the center of moral and spiritual life. The Greek word "kardia" is used, indicating the inner self. 3. The Law James 4:11-12 discusses speaking against "the law" and judging it. While not a physical place, "the law" represents the divine commandments and moral framework given by God. The Greek term "nomos" is used, referring to the law as a guiding principle. Events 1. Conflicts and Quarrels Among Believers James 4:1 - "What causes conflicts and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from the passions at war within you?" The Greek word for "passions" is "hēdonē," which refers to pleasures or desires that lead to conflict. 2. Unanswered Prayers Due to Wrong Motives James 4:3 - "And when you do ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may squander it on your pleasures." The term "motives" in Greek is "kakōs," meaning badly or wrongly, indicating selfish intentions. 3. Friendship with the World as Enmity with God James 4:4 - "You adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever chooses to be a friend of the world renders himself an enemy of God." The Greek word "kosmos" for "world" implies the secular, ungodly system opposed to God. 4. God’s Jealous Desire for Our Spirit James 4:5 - "Or do you think the Scripture says without reason that the Spirit He caused to dwell in us yearns with envy?" The Greek "phthonos" for "envy" suggests a deep, protective jealousy for our devotion. 5. God’s Grace to the Humble James 4:6 - "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'" "Grace" in Greek is "charis," indicating unmerited favor, especially to those who are humble. 6. Call to Submit to God and Resist the Devil James 4:7 - "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." "Submit" in Greek is "hypotassō," meaning to arrange under or yield to God’s authority. 7. Drawing Near to God James 4:8 - "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." "Double-minded" in Greek is "dipsychos," indicating a divided loyalty or wavering faith. 8. Call to Repentance and Humility James 4:9-10 - "Grieve, mourn, and weep. Turn your laughter to mourning, and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you." The Greek "tapeinoō" for "humble" means to make low or bring down one’s pride. 9. Warning Against Judging Others James 4:11-12 - "Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it." "Slander" in Greek is "katalaleō," meaning to speak evil or defame. 10. Boasting About Tomorrow James 4:13-16 - "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.' You do not even know what will happen tomorrow." The Greek "kauchaomai" for "boast" implies a self-confident or arrogant attitude. 11. Knowing and Doing Good James 4:17 - "Therefore, whoever knows the right thing to do, yet fails to do it, is guilty of sin." The Greek "hamartia" for "sin" means missing the mark or failing to do what is right. Lessons from James 4 1. Submit to God’s Authority In James 4:7, we are reminded to "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." This is a powerful call to align our lives under God's authority. By submitting to Him, we find strength to resist temptations and the schemes of the enemy. It's a daily choice to trust in His wisdom and guidance, knowing that His plans for us are good and perfect. 2. Draw Near to God James 4:8 encourages us with the promise, "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you." This is an invitation to deepen our relationship with our Creator. Spend time in prayer, immerse yourself in Scripture, and seek His presence. As we draw closer to God, we experience His peace and guidance in our lives, making our paths clearer and our burdens lighter. 3. Cleanse Your Hands and Purify Your Hearts The call to "cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded" (James 4:8) is a reminder to live a life of integrity and purity. It's about aligning our actions and thoughts with God's standards. By confessing our sins and seeking His forgiveness, we can live in the freedom and joy that comes from a pure heart. 4. Humble Yourselves Before the Lord James 4:10 tells us, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you." Humility is a key to unlocking God's favor in our lives. When we acknowledge our dependence on Him and put others before ourselves, we open the door for God to lift us up in His perfect timing. True greatness comes from serving others and recognizing our need for God's grace. 5. Avoid Worldly Desires In James 4:4, we are warned, "You adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God?" This stark reminder calls us to examine our desires and priorities. Are we seeking the temporary pleasures of this world, or are we focused on eternal treasures? By setting our hearts on things above, we align ourselves with God's eternal purposes. 6. Recognize the Source of Conflict James 4:1 asks, "What causes conflicts and quarrels among you?" The answer lies in our own desires that battle within us. Recognizing that our selfish ambitions often lead to strife can help us seek peace and reconciliation. By surrendering our desires to God, we can foster harmony in our relationships and communities. 7. Speak with Grace and Truth James 4:11 advises, "Brothers, do not slander one another." Our words have the power to build up or tear down. Speaking with grace and truth reflects the love of Christ and strengthens our witness to the world. Let us choose words that encourage, uplift, and bring healing to those around us. 8. Acknowledge God’s Sovereignty James 4:15 reminds us to say, "If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that." This is a call to recognize God's sovereignty over our plans and future. By acknowledging His control, we can live with confidence and peace, knowing that He holds our lives in His hands and works all things for our good. 9. Do Not Boast About Tomorrow James 4:13-14 warns against boasting about tomorrow, for "you do not even know what will happen tomorrow." Life is uncertain, and our plans are fragile. Instead of boasting, we should live with humility and trust in God's provision for each day. This perspective helps us focus on the present and make the most of every opportunity. 10. Do What You Know is Right Finally, James 4:17 states, "Anyone, then, who knows the right thing to do, yet fails to do it, is guilty of sin." This is a call to action. When we know what is right, we must act on it. Living out our faith with integrity and courage is a powerful testimony to the world and a reflection of Christ's love in us. Topics 1. Conflicts and Desires (James 4:1-3) James addresses the source of conflicts and quarrels among believers, attributing them to selfish desires and passions. He emphasizes that these desires lead to strife because people do not ask God, or when they do, they ask with wrong motives. The Greek word for "desires" (ἡδονή, hēdonē) suggests pleasures that are self-indulgent and contrary to God's will. 2. Friendship with the World (James 4:4-5) The passage warns against being friends with the world, equating it with enmity against God. James uses strong language, calling those who pursue worldly desires "adulteresses," indicating unfaithfulness to God. The Greek term for "world" (κόσμος, kosmos) refers to the system of values opposed to God. 3. Humility and Submission to God (James 4:6-10) James calls believers to humility, quoting Proverbs 3:34, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." He urges submission to God, resistance to the devil, and drawing near to God. The Greek word for "humble" (ταπεινός, tapeinos) implies a lowliness of mind and spirit that is open to God's grace. 4. Judging Others (James 4:11-12) This section cautions against speaking evil of or judging one another. James reminds believers that there is only one Lawgiver and Judge, who is able to save and destroy. The Greek word for "judge" (κρίνω, krinō) involves making a determination or decision, often with a negative connotation of condemnation. 5. Boasting About Tomorrow (James 4:13-17) James warns against presumptuous planning without acknowledging God's sovereignty. He reminds readers that life is a mist that appears briefly and then vanishes. The Greek word for "boast" (καυχάομαι, kauchaomai) suggests an arrogant confidence in one's own plans. James concludes by stating that knowing the right thing to do and failing to do it is sin. Themes 1. Conflict and Desires James 4:1-2 discusses the source of conflicts and quarrels among believers, attributing them to internal desires and passions. The Greek word "ἡδοναί" (hēdonai) refers to pleasures or desires that lead to conflict. 2. Prayer and Motives In James 4:3, the theme of prayer is addressed, emphasizing that prayers are not answered because they are asked with wrong motives. The Greek word "κακῶς" (kakōs) means wrongly or with evil intent. 3. Friendship with the World James 4:4 warns against friendship with the world, equating it with enmity against God. The Greek term "κόσμος" (kosmos) refers to the world system opposed to God. 4. God's Jealousy and Grace James 4:5-6 speaks of God's jealousy for the spirit He has placed in us and His greater grace. The Greek word "ζηλόω" (zēloō) implies a deep, protective jealousy. 5. Humility and Submission to God Verses 7-10 emphasize humility and submission to God, urging believers to resist the devil and draw near to God. The Greek "ταπεινόω" (tapeinoō) means to humble oneself. 6. Judging Others James 4:11-12 cautions against speaking evil of and judging others, reminding believers that there is only one Lawgiver and Judge. The Greek "καταλαλέω" (katalaleō) means to speak against or slander. 7. Boasting About Tomorrow In verses 13-16, the theme of boasting about future plans is addressed, highlighting the uncertainty of life and the need to acknowledge God's will. The Greek "καυχάομαι" (kauchaomai) means to boast or glory. 8. Knowing and Doing Good James 4:17 concludes with the theme of accountability, stating that knowing the right thing to do and failing to do it is sin. The Greek "ἁμαρτία" (hamartia) refers to sin or missing the mark. Prayer Points Pray for a heart of humility and submission to God's will. Ask God to reveal any selfish desires that may be causing conflict in your life. Seek strength to resist worldly temptations and to live according to God's standards. Pray for wisdom and grace to avoid judging others and to encourage them instead. Commit your plans to God, acknowledging His sovereignty over your life. As we reflect on James 4, may we be inspired to live lives marked by humility, submission, and a deep reliance on God's grace. Let us strive to be peacemakers, drawing near to God and resisting the pull of the world. Answering Tough Questions 1. How does James 4:2–3 reconcile the promise of answered prayer with the many unanswered prayers observed in reality? 2. If James 4:4 implies that loving worldly affairs makes one God’s enemy, how can believers be part of society and still follow this command? 3. In James 4:7, what tangible evidence do we have that resisting the devil actually compels him to flee, given modern skepticism toward the supernatural? 4. James 4:8 promises closeness with God if people draw near to Him—how can this be tested or verified scientifically or historically? 5. Why does James 4:13–15 warn so strongly against making plans without God’s will, when so much of human progress relies on forward planning and initiative? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. What are some of the causes of conflicts and disputes according to James 4:1-3? How do these apply to your own life? 2. What does it mean to be a "friend of the world" and why is it considered enmity with God? How does this concept apply to modern day living? 3. In verse 4:6, James says, "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." How can we practice humility in our daily lives? 4. Reflect on the call to submit to God and resist the devil in verses 7-10. How can this be achieved in your personal life? 5. How do verses 7-10 suggest we should respond to sin in our lives? 6. In the context of James 4:11-12, discuss the difference between righteous judgement and being judgemental. 7. How do you interpret James' admonition against planning without considering God's will in verses 13-17? How can you apply this principle to your own future plans? 8. How does the theme of worldly desires versus godly desires manifest in your life? 9. James speaks about praying with wrong motives. What can we do to ensure our prayers align with God's will? 10. James calls for mourning and weeping over sins. How does this challenge the modern understanding of expressing joy and happiness in the Christian life? 11. How can James 4 help us deal with conflicts and disputes in our relationships? 12. Reflect on the concept of life's uncertainty as portrayed in James 4. How does this affect your perspective on life? 13. What does the passage say about the danger of pride? How can we guard against it? 14. How can we practically "draw near to God" in our daily routines as suggested in verse 8? 15. How do you interpret the idea that God's spirit is "jealous" for us as mentioned in verse 5? 16. What steps can you take to prevent yourself from falling into the trap of being a "friend of the world"? 17. What role does humility play in your relationship with God and with others? 18. How does James' teaching in this chapter influence your understanding of sin and repentance? 19. What does it mean to "purify your hearts" as suggested in verse 8, and how can we achieve this? 20. How does this chapter encourage you to change your habits, perspectives, or actions? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions