What does James 4:15 mean?

For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. James 4:15

Explanation

James 4:15 reminds believers to acknowledge the sovereignty and will of God in all their plans and activities. The verse suggests it is presumptuous for individuals to be confident about their future undertakings without considering God’s overarching control. It encourages saying “If the Lord wills” as a sign of submission to God’s ultimate authority over life and death, as well as over what one might accomplish. This humility before God aligns one’s actions with the Christian belief in a God who is actively involved in the world and the lives of his people.

Historical Context

The Epistle of James is traditionally attributed to James the Just, who was a leading figure in the Early Christian church in Jerusalem. It was likely composed before the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 A.D. The audience of the book was primarily Jewish Christians scattered outside Palestine. James addresses issues pertinent to the community such as suffering, social justice, and practical piety. In the first century, both Jews and Christians would often make plans for commerce and travel, and this verse addresses the hubris that can come with the certainty in one’s plans, urging believers to remember their dependence on God.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological standpoint, James 4:15 emphasizes God’s omniscience and omnipotence. It highlights the view that God knows all future events and His will is ultimate in the unfolding of history. The verse also speaks to the theological concepts of humility and dependence on God. In various Christian traditions, there are different emphases placed on divine foreknowledge and predestination, but all mainstream Christian traditions agree that God’s will is paramount and humans must approach their lives with humility under God’s sovereignty.

Practical Applications

In practice, James 4:15 serves as a reminder to allow room for God in daily decision-making. It encourages believers to avoid arrogance and to approach their plans with a sense of openness to God’s direction. By saying “if the Lord wills,” Christians express their recognition that their understanding of the future is limited and their trust is in God. This can manifest in various ways, from prayerful consideration before making decisions to acknowledging the uncertainty of the future in conversations about plans.

Cross-References

• Proverbs 16:9: “A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.”
• Proverbs 19:21: “There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.”
• Matthew 6:10: “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”
• Proverbs 27:1: “Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.”

Language Study

The key phrase “If the Lord will” in Greek is “ἐὰν ὁ Κύριος θελήσῃ” (ean ho Kyrios thelēsēi). The word “θελήσῃ” (thelēsēi) comes from “θέλω” (thelō), meaning “to will” or “to desire.” The phrase affirms that the fulfillment of plans hinges on God’s desire or will.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, fate and the will of the gods were considered central to one’s life and future. In Greco-Roman mythology, the Moirai or Fates were thought to control the destinies of both gods and men. Likewise, the submission to divine will is a concept found in other religions. In Islam, for example, the phrase “Insha’Allah,” meaning “if Allah wills,” reflects a similar sentiment of recognizing divine control over all future events.

Scientific Perspectives

While there isn’t a scientific method to study the will of a deity, James 4:15 may indirectly touch on topics that are explored scientifically, such as decision-making and psychological attitudes towards control and uncertainty. Cognitive psychology suggests that acknowledging factors outside of our control can mitigate stress and anxiety associated with uncertainty about future events.

commentaries

Various biblical scholars and commentators have noted the importance of humility in James 4:15. Matthew Henry’s commentary emphasizes the need to be mindful of God’s overriding will in all things, calling for Christians to speak and act with due reverence to divine providence. John Calvin’s commentary likewise focuses on the importance of yielding to God’s will and not boasting arrogantly about one’s plans. More contemporary commentaries continue to spotlight the balance between making responsible plans for the future and recognizing that ultimately, God’s will prevails.