Speaking Evil and Making Plans

2005-12-21

This is a Bible study on James 4:11-17.

There are two portions of this Scripture that speak of two different topics. Because of chapter division and the way this Bible study series was originally divided, this summary will deal with both sections.

I. James 4:11-12

James 4:11-12 cannot be separated from the previous sections dealing with taming the tongue and the condition of the heart. Nobody in his or her own strength has the wisdom to both love God and other people. It is wisdom from above, that is, God, that can change our hearts, and by submitting to Him and asking Him, we can be transformed by His Spirit.

In 4:11, we find that by judging a brother, and speaking evil of him, we become a judge, and not a doer of the law as we ought to be. Doing the good works we were designed to do is God’s desire and can only be done in His power. We all fall short, and if we find ourselves judging others, we should look in the mirror. Before we can help someone with his or her own sin, we should first come to terms with our own sin (cf. Matthew 7:1ff). God is the only judge (4:12); when we judge we replace Him, the only righteous standard of the law and righteous judge. This is an idolatrous heart, and we are forgetting the grace of God that is found in Jesus.

II. James 4:13-17

The boasting discussed in 4:13-17 seems to be very subtle as to what sin and issue of the heart is apparent. The specifics discussed in verse 13 seem to be important: moving into a specific city for a specific time for the purpose of making money. One major problem is turning from God to make one’s own plans for self-interest alone. Verse 14 discusses this because we have no idea what will happen tomorrow. Christ could return, we could get sick, or God could simply have different plans for us. Any number of things could happen. Secondly, compare verse 13 with verse 15. The latter shows a heart that seeks God and His plan, showing openness as to what He may have planned. Thirdly, in verse 16, the person making the plans in verse 13 is boasting of something that has not happened, thinking his self-centered, uncertain plans can add to his stature. Making profits is not a desire of God, for Christ has said that we cannot serve both God and mammon (Matthew 6:24).

Finally, in 4:17, it is sin if one knows to do good but does not do it. Making plans without thought of God to make money is not any command of the Scriptures. We are charged with the preaching of the Gospel and the equipping of the saints, to offer true worship to God. Neglecting this for worldly living is purposeful sin.