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Look up the following verses, concerning finances, from James, and consider how they relate to James 4:13-17
- 1:9-11 - The poor person can be proud about his relationship with God; and the rich person needs to be humbled so that he will have the right relationship with God
- 1:27 - To help those who don't have much is a way to show true religion
- 2:1-7 - The illustration is of a church that ignores or puts away those who are poor but pays special attention to the rich for their own personal benefit
- 2:15,16 - If someone has a need and you can meet it, then it is Christian love to do so
- 4:1-3 - you ask for more, with selfish desires and God does not answer; or you covet from someone and are willing to do anything to get it
In light of James 4:13-17, the idea is to go after riches, outside of the context of pursuing God and living for Him, is a waste, and is wrong.
What attitude does James condemn in James 4:13? The attitude of making plans without God - an attitude of selfish pride
How is this attitude proud and foolish? It does not consider how uncertain and short life is.
What is a person saying about God and self when he makes plans without consulting God? I don't need Him. He is not active in my life or out for my good.
What would be the humble attitude toward plans? I will make some plans, but in the context of honoring God and pleasing Him. And if He wants those plans to succeed, if they are in His will, then they will. Or, it may be His will for these plans to fail, which is o.k. too because it means I will grow from it.
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