Translations
Modern
Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.”
Traditional
For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.
Literal
Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord is willing, both we will live and we will do this or that.”
Latin
Quæ est enim vita vestra? vapor est ad modicum parens, et deinceps exterminabitur; pro eo ut dicatis: Si Dominus voluerit. Et: Si vixerimus, faciemus hoc, aut illud.
Original
Greek
English
Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.”
Notes
The Lord controls life and death (Deuteronomy 32:39; 1 Samuel 2:6; Matthew 10:28).
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
Commandments: Other Apostles: Precepts of, Explicitly Stated or Implied in Didactic Epistles Confidence: False Covetousness: General Scriptures Concerning Death: Preparation For Future God: Providence of, Overruling Interpositions of The Life: from God Natural Life: Uncertain Planning Presumption: General Scriptures Concerning Today