The Judge (11-12): Humbling ourselves before the Lord (4:10) must be seen in how we talk. Willing submission to God (4:7) means that we do not usurp His role and speak as if we can presume on the His prerogatives of legislation and condemnation. We are not entitled to such things. But as James points out, speaking against[1] those who frustrate our pleasures is exactly this. All such talk assumes the right to set the rules and condemn people who get in our way. But we serve the Lord, we keep His royal law and we love our neighbors as ourselves (2:8). We no longer curse men “who have been made in the likeness of God” (3:9). We do not have that right. We are not God.
The Sovereign (13-17): Boasting about the future (4:16) is another sin of the tongue. Like speaking against others, this is the usurpation of God’s role, but this time, His role as the sovereign ruler. The man who audaciously declares he will move to a particular place, live a year there, conduct business and turn a profit (4:13), may seem like just another entrepreneur in the Silicon Valley,[2] but as James points out, it is sheer arrogance to plan with no regard for God’s sovereign control over these matters. James humbles us with a reality check: We don’t even know what tomorrow will bring. We are just a vapor—here one moment and gone the next.[3] We acknowledge God’s sovereignty and seek His will. We honor God not only in what we avoid but in what we pursue.[4]
[1] “Speak against” includes harsh criticism, gossip, slander, ridicule, belittlement, etc. “Judge [kri-nō (κρίνω)]” parallels “speak against” and means to condemn (Matt. 7:1; John 3:17).
[2] Prediction of profit may seem like the most audacious claim, but James points out that the prediction of life is the greater presumption. Our lives are not in our hands (Job 12:10; Psalm 139:16; Luke 12:20, 25).
[3] Scripture repeatedly speaks of the brevity of life: 1:10-11; Job 9:25; 14:1-2; Psalm 39:5; 90:5-6; 1 Pet. 1:24.
[4] This is the import of the last statement in 4:17. Passive omission (neglect) is sin as is active commission (violation). We proactively carry out the will of God (John 4:34; 1 Tim. 6:11; 2 Tim. 2:22), not neglect it.