James 4:13 – “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.'”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, James is addressing a common human attitude—the assumption that we are in control of our own future. He paints a picture of someone making big plans: deciding when they will travel, where they will go, how long they will stay, what business they will do, and how much profit they will make.
At first glance, there’s nothing wrong with making plans. But James isn’t criticizing planning itself—he’s pointing out the arrogant mindset behind these words. These people are speaking confidently about tomorrow as if it belongs to them, without considering God’s will or their own limitations.
This verse is a warning against self-confidence that leaves God out of the picture. It’s about the danger of living as if we are in charge of our time, our future, and our success, when in reality, all of it is in God’s hands.
Historical Context
In James’ day, many people in the growing Roman world were involved in trade and business. Travel and commerce were common, and many believers would have understood this example. Merchants often planned their journeys months or even years in advance, expecting to profit and prosper.
But among these early Christians, there was a growing temptation to live just like the world around them—focused on success, money, and personal plans, while forgetting that life is fragile and God is in control.
James is calling them out for an attitude of pride and self-sufficiency that ignores God.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches that God, not people, is in control of the future. It challenges the belief that we can plan and control our own success without recognizing our dependence on God.
It also speaks to the temporary nature of life. Planning without considering God is foolish because life is uncertain, fragile, and not guaranteed.
Theologically, this verse is a call to humility and trust. It reminds believers that every breath, every opportunity, and every tomorrow is a gift from God, not something they can command.
Literary Analysis
James begins this verse with the phrase “Now listen,” which is like saying, “Pay attention!” It signals that what follows is important and corrective.
The sentence is structured as a direct quote of the attitude James is confronting. He lets the reader hear the self-confident, business-minded voice making plans as if God doesn’t exist.
The details—today or tomorrow, this or that city, a year, carry on business, make money—paint a picture of complete self-reliance and assumption about the future.
The verse is written to expose not just what people say, but the mindset behind it.
Biblical Cross-References
Several other Scriptures support this teaching:
- Proverbs 27:1 – “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.”
- Luke 12:16-21 – Jesus’ parable of the rich fool who made big plans for his future without knowing he would die that very night.
- Matthew 6:34 – “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.”
- Psalm 90:12 – “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
These verses all remind us that life is short and uncertain, and our future is in God’s hands.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a strong reminder to live with humility and dependence on God. In a world that celebrates planning, productivity, and chasing success, it’s easy to start believing that we are in control of our own future.
James’ words challenge that mindset. He’s not saying it’s wrong to make plans—but he is warning against making plans without seeking God, without recognizing that life is fragile, and without trusting God’s will.
This verse invites believers to hold their plans loosely and live each day in humble awareness that tomorrow is not promised.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is woven into this warning. He doesn’t want His people living under the illusion of self-sufficiency, because that leads to pride, disappointment, and anxiety.
Instead, He lovingly reminds them that life is a gift, not a guarantee. He invites them to trust Him with their plans, their future, and their daily needs.
God’s love is seen in how He calls His people away from self-reliance and into a life of trust, humility, and peace.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus taught the same truth repeatedly. He warned against storing up treasures on earth, urged His followers not to worry about tomorrow, and told them to seek first God’s kingdom.
- Matthew 6:33-34 – “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow.”
- Luke 12:20 – In the parable of the rich fool, God says, “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you.”
Jesus lived a life of total dependence on the Father’s will. Through His life, death, and resurrection, He invites believers to stop striving and start trusting.
In Christ, believers can live with open hands, knowing that God holds their future securely.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How often do you make plans without considering God’s will?
- Why do you think it’s so easy to assume that tomorrow is guaranteed?
- How does this verse challenge the way you think about success and planning?
- In what ways can you invite God into your daily plans and long-term goals?
- How does trusting God with your future bring peace and freedom?