It is natural to be blind to our own faults and at the same time be fully aware of the shortcomings of others and to speak evil of them v.11,James 4:11XWaiting for response but there is only one judge who can save or destroy us. Therefore the disciples are commanded not to judge one another.v.12James 4:12XWaiting for response God sees all and will exercise righteous judgment.
He is also in control of our affairs, so we should not speak presumptuously of our future plans.v.13James 4:13XWaiting for response We might, for example, die at any moment because our life is short and like a vapour.v.14James 4:14XWaiting for response What we ought to say is: “If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that”.v.15James 4:15XWaiting for response We should consider God in all our ways, especially endeavouring to do what we know he wants us to do because “to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin”.v.17James 4:17XWaiting for response
Verses 1-10
James 4:1-10XWaiting for responseFighting arises from our fleshly lusts.vs.1-5James 4:1-5XWaiting for response The natural inclination of the flesh is the “devil” we have to fight against, but if we resist this “devil” he will flee from us.v.7James 4:7XWaiting for response (Note the use of personification, common in the scriptures, in this case used for sin in flesh). The word of God gives us strength to resist, and if we draw near to him he will draw near to us.v.8James 4:8XWaiting for response Those who have succumbed to the impulses of the flesh and done wrong can submit themselves to God v.7,James 4:7XWaiting for response purify themselves by his word,v.8James 4:8XWaiting for response repent,v.9James 4:9XWaiting for response humble themselves in the sight of the Lord, and be lifted up again.v.10James 4:10XWaiting for response