Translations
Modern
You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
Traditional
Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
Literal
…who do not know what is of tomorrow. What is your life? For it is a vapor appearing for a little while and then vanishing.
Latin
…qui ignoratis quid erit in crastino.
Original
Greek
English
You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
Notes
Traveling merchants relied on their own determination to overcome poverty and low social status. James encourages acknowledging God's providence. He also warns against making arrogant plans beyond one's control.
Parallels
Glossary
Topics
Being Envious Being Two-Faced Commandments: Other Apostles: Precepts of, Explicitly Stated or Implied in Didactic Epistles Confidence: False Covetousness: General Scriptures Concerning Future Life: Brevity and Uncertainty of Living Life to the Fullest Natural Life is Compared to a Vapour Natural Life: Uncertain Planning Presumption: General Scriptures Concerning Putting Jesus First The Happiness of the Wicked is Uncertain The Unexpected Today Wasting Time