What does "you who say" reveal about human presumption in planning? Setting the Scene James 4:13: “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make a profit.’” James writes to believers scattered across the Roman world, confronting everyday attitudes. Here he zooms in on merchants mapping out their next venture—ordinary, sensible plans. Yet the Spirit-inspired text exposes a deeper heart issue: presuming on tomorrow without conscious dependence on God. Zeroing In on “you who say” • The phrase singles out people who speak with casual certainty. • It indicates a settled mindset—plans already framed, timetable fixed, outcome assumed. • Words reveal the heart (Matthew 12:34), so “you who say” unveils an inner confidence rooted in self, not in the Lord. What Human Presumption Looks Like 1. Certainty about Timing • “Today or tomorrow” implies mastery over the calendar. • Proverbs 27:1: “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.” 2. Confidence in Location and Activity • “We will go to this or that city” presumes mobility and open doors. • Acts 16:6-7 shows even Paul’s travel plans altered by the Spirit. 3. Assurance of Duration • “Spend a year there” forecasts an unbroken stretch of opportunity. • Luke 12:20 (parable of the rich fool): “This very night your life will be demanded of you.” 4. Expectation of Success • “Carry on business, and make a profit” reflects profit-driven certainty. • Proverbs 16:9: “A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD directs his steps.” Why This Presumption Is Problematic • Ignores Life’s Fragility —James 4:14 reminds, “You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” • Overlooks God’s Sovereignty —James 4:15: “Instead, you ought to say, ‘If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.’” —Jeremiah 10:23: “It is not in man who walks to direct his steps.” • Substitutes Self-reliance for Faith —Boasting in projected profits shifts glory from God to human skill. A Better Posture: Humble Dependence • Speak Plans with “If the Lord wills.” —Not a pious add-on, but a genuine acknowledgment of divine control. • Hold Timetables Loosely. —Psalm 31:15: “My times are in Your hands.” • Seek God First, Then Strategize. —Matthew 6:33: “Seek first the kingdom of God… and all these things will be added to you.” • Give Glory for Every Outcome. —1 Corinthians 10:31: “Whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.” Living This Truth Today • Before scheduling, pause to ask, “Lord, is this Your will?” • When sharing plans, verbally recognize dependence on God. • Rejoice when God redirects; His detours are perfect. • Evaluate goals—are they driven by kingdom priorities or mere profit? The simple words “you who say” uncover a heart inclined to control the future. Scripture calls believers to trade presumption for humble, faith-filled planning that bows to the Lord’s sovereign will. |
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