James 4:14

14 You don't know what will happen tomorrow. What is life? You are a mist that is seen for a moment and then disappears.

James 4:14 Meaning and Commentary

James 4:14

Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow
Whether there would be a morrow for them or not, whether they should live till tomorrow; and if they should, they knew not what a morrow would bring forth, or what things would happen, which might prevent their intended journey and success: no man can secure a day, an hour, a moment, and much less a year of continuance in this life; nor can he foresee what will befall him today or tomorrow; therefore it is great stupidity to determine on this, and the other, without the leave of God, in whom he lives, moves, and has his being; and by whose providence all events are governed and directed; see ( Proverbs 27:1 )

for what is your life?
of what kind and nature is it? what assurance can be had of the continuance of it? by what may it be expressed? or to what may it be compared?

it is even a vapour that appeareth for a little time, and then
vanisheth away;
which rises out of the earth, or water, and expires almost as soon as it exists; at least, continues but a very short time, and is very weak and fleeting, and carried about here and there, and soon returns from whence it came: the allusion is to the breath of man, which is in his nostrils, and who is not to be accounted of, or depended on.

James 4:14 In-Context

12 There is only one teacher and judge. He is able to save or destroy you. So who are you to judge your neighbor?

13 Pay attention to this! You're saying, "Today or tomorrow we will go into some city, stay there a year, conduct business, and make money."

14 You don't know what will happen tomorrow. What is life? You are a mist that is seen for a moment and then disappears.

15 Instead, you should say, "If the Lord wants us to, we will live and carry out our plans."

16 However, you brag because you're arrogant. All such bragging is evil.