James 4:16

Translations

Modern

As it is, you boast in your proud intentions. All such boasting is evil.

Traditional

But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.

Literal

But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.

Latin

Nunc autem exsultatis in superbiis vestris. Omnis exsultatio talis, maligna est.

Original

Greek

English

As it is, you boast in your proud intentions. All such boasting is evil.

Notes

James 4:16

Christians can proudly share what God has done (1:9–10). But they should not brag about their own plans. When people make plans without considering God's will, they act as if they control their own future. These kinds of plans assume that God has no authority over people's lives.

James 4:13–16

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.

Theme notes and profiles

James, Brother of Jesus Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility Enjoying God’s Gifts The Coming of the Lord as Judge The Sovereignty of God

Related verses

Proverbs 27:1
Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.
1 Corinthians 5:6
Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven works through the whole batch of dough?
Psalm 52:7
“Look at the man who did not make God his refuge, but trusted in the abundance of his wealth and strengthened himself by destruction.”
Proverbs 25:14
Like clouds and wind without rain is the man who boasts of gifts never given.
Revelation 18:7
As much as she has glorified herself and lived in luxury, give her the same measure of torment and grief. In her heart she says, ‘I sit as queen; I am not a widow and will never see grief.’
Isaiah 47:10
You were secure in your wickedness; you said, ‘No one sees me.’ Your wisdom and knowledge led you astray; you told yourself, ‘I am, and there is none besides me.’
1 Corinthians 4:7–8
For who makes you so superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?
Psalm 52:1
For the choirmaster. A Maskil of David. After Doeg the Edomite went to Saul and told him, “David has gone to the house of Ahimelech.” Why do you boast of evil, O mighty man? The loving devotion of God endures all day long.
James 3:14
But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth.
Isaiah 47:7–8
You said, ‘I will be queen forever.’ You did not take these things to heart or consider their outcome.

James 4:16

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