James 4:4

The oldest manuscripts omit "adulterers and," and read simply, "Ye adulteresses." God is the rightful husband; the men of the world are regarded collectively as one adulteress, and individually as adulteresses. the world--in so far as the men of it and their motives and acts are aliens to God, for example, its selfish "lusts" (Jam 4:3), and covetous and ambitious "wars and fightings" (Jam 4:1). enmity--not merely "inimical"; a state of enmity, and that enmity itself. Compare Jo1 2:15, "love . . . the world . . . the love of the Father." whosoever . . . will be--The Greek is emphatic, "shall be resolved to be." Whether he succeed or not, if his wish be to be the friend of the world, he renders himself, becomes (so the Greek for "is") by the very fact, "the enemy of God." Contrast "Abraham the friend of God."

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).

4:4-10 James explains the causes of conflict: love for the world, divided loyalty, and arrogant criticism (4:11-12). He gives exhortations which will rectify these causes and lead to peace. 4:4 You adulterers: James uses this prophetic imagery (see, e.g., Jer 3:6; Hos 3:1) because his readers were seeking what friendship with the world could give them—social acceptance (Jas 2:1-4), prestige (3:1), or wealth (4:13). Divided loyalty toward God (4:8) is like adultery against one’s spouse. • In the ancient world, friend was used as a title for special and exclusive relationships (Luke 23:12, Herod and Pilate; John 19:12, Pilate as “friend of Caesar”; see also 1 Maccabees 2:18; 6:28). Both Moses (Exod 33:11) and Abraham were called friends of God (Jas 2:23; 2 Chr 20:7; Isa 41:8; cp. John 15:15). • The world consists of society that is opposed to God and his kingdom. The world is guided by earthly wisdom, not heavenly (Jas 3:15-17), and is characterized by evil desires, fighting, and killing (4:2-3).