James 4:16

16 But now you boast and brag, and all such boasting is evil.

James 4:16 Meaning and Commentary

James 4:16

But now ye rejoice in your boastings
Of tomorrow, and of the continuance of life, and of going to such a place, and abiding there for such a time, and of trading and trafficking with great success, to the obtaining of much gain and riches; see ( Proverbs 27:1 )

all such rejoicing is evil;
wicked and atheistical, as expressing a neglect of and independence on Providence; arrogating and ascribing too much to themselves, their power and will, as if they had their lives and fortunes in their own hands, and at their own dispose, when all depend upon the will of God. The Syriac version renders it, "all such rejoicing is from evil"; from an evil heart, and from the evil one, Satan.

James 4:16 In-Context

14 You don't really know about tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for only a short while before it vanishes.
15 Here's what you ought to say: "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that."
16 But now you boast and brag, and all such boasting is evil.
17 It is a sin when someone knows the right thing to do and doesn't do it.
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