James 4:15
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Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.”
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Literally, "instead of your saying," &c. This refers to "ye that say" (Jam 4:13). we shall live--The best manuscripts read, "We shall both live and do," &c. The boasters spoke as if life, action, and the particular kind of action were in their power, whereas all three depend entirely on the will of the Lord.
Open source ↗In this chapter we are directed to consider, I. Some causes of contention, besides those mentioned in the foregoing chapter, and to watch against them (Jam 4:1-5). II. We are taught to abandon the friendship of this world, so as to submit and subject ourselves entirely to God (Jam 4:4-10). III. All detraction and rash judgment of others are to be carefully avoided (Jam 4:11, Jam 4:12). IV. We must preserve a constant regard, and pay the utmost deference to the disposals of divine Providence (Jam 4:13 to the end).
Open source ↗4:15 The Lord has authority over life and death (Deut 32:39; 1 Sam 2:6; Matt 10:28).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.
And this we will do, if God permits.
Who has spoken and it came to pass, unless the Lord has ordained it?
But as he left, he said, “I will come back to you if God is willing.” And he set sail from Ephesus.
in my prayers at all times, asking that now at last by God’s will I may succeed in coming to you.
For I do not want to see you now only in passing; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits.
so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed.
But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only what these arrogant people are saying, but what power they have.