James 4:13-17 Go to now, you that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:… I. THE FORM OR EXPRESSION WHICH THE APOSTLE CONDEMNS. 1. In general, we may observe that this language relates altogether to a worldly project. The principal object is gain, "not the true riches," or "that Rood part" which shall never be taken from those who choose it; but the gain of this world, the gain which is acquired by buying and selling. 2. The great Lord of all has no part in this scheme. These little arrogant words, "we will," thrust Him out at once and occupy His place. II. THE AMENDMENT SUGGESTED BY THE APOSTLE. 1. It furnishes us with a rule by which all our undertakings ought to be examined. Let us convert the views which we have in any undertaking into the form of a petition, and try whether we can, with decency, offer up such a petition to God. Let us consider whether the means by which we propose to compass these views are of such a nature that we may ask the Divine blessing to accompany them. 2. It teaches us to consider the shortness, and particularly the uncertainty, of life. There is not an element so friendly, nor a circumstance so trifling, that it may not become the minister of death. Ought not this manifest uncertainty of life, then, to cool our pursuit of earthly projects? 3. It teaches us to live in an habitual dependence on God, not only for life, but also for activity and prudence to carry our lawful designs into execution. 4. It teaches us to resign ourselves entirely to the will of God, and to submit all our schemes to Him, to prosper or to disappoint as seemeth good to Him.Lessons: 1. Guard against that extravagance in laying down schemes for the time to come, which, upon cool reflection, appears so unjustifiable in the example before us. 2. Realise this important truth, that our life is but "a vapour, which appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." Die we must, and we know not how soon. (R. Walker.) Parallel Verses KJV: Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: |
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