James 4:16

16 As it is, you are proud. You brag about it. That kind of bragging 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 even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? It is a mist that appears for a little while. Then it disappears.
15 Instead, you should say, "If it pleases the Lord, we will live and do this or that."
16 As it is, you are proud. You brag about it. That kind of bragging is evil.
17 So when you know the good things you should do and don't do them, you sin.
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