James 4:17

Do Not Boast about Tomorrow · James 4:13–17
Read James 4

Translations

Modern
Anyone, then, who knows the right thing to do, yet fails to do it, is guilty of sin.
Traditional
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
Literal
Therefore to the one knowing to do good, and not doing it, to him it is sin.
Latin
Scienti igitur bonum facere, et non facienti, peccatum est illi.

Original

Greek
English
Anyone, then, who knows the right thing to do, yet fails to do it, is guilty of sin.

Notes

who knows the right thing to do: this verse is probably a saying that James thought his audience would know. Its origin is unknown, but it aligns with Scripture teachings (compare Deuteronomy 24:15; Proverbs 3:27–28; Matthew 25:41–46; Luke 12:47).

Theme notes and profiles

James, Brother of Jesus

Parallels

Proverbs 27:1

Glossary

Letter of James

Topics

Age of Accountability Apathy Avoiding Sin Being a Good Example Being Careful Being Equally Yoked Being Rude Being Unfair Being Wronged Bragging Breaking Covenants Breaking the Law Civil Disobedience Confession Covetousness: General Scriptures Concerning Defiance Doing Good Doing Good Deeds Doing the Right Thing Doing What is Right Good Intentions Hating Others Hating People Helping Friends Indecision: General Scriptures Concerning Irresponsibility Is All Sin the Same Knowing Right from Wrong Obeying the Will of God Overcoming Temptation Palm Sunday Removing Sin Right and Wrong Sin: Against Knowledge Sin: Omission of What we Know to be Good Is Sin: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To, Defining and Illustrating Sinning Sins Standing Up Submitting to Authority