James continued the theme of his epistle – “be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (1:22) – by bringing to the mind of his audience an attitude which was ungodly and destructive. He speaks of presumption (v. 13-15), arrogant boasting (v. 16), and the sinfulness of omission (v. 17).

It is presumptuous to make plans for the future without considering God, and consulting His will. There is nothing wrong with a merchant deciding to travel to a certain city at a certain time to carry out business. Yet, to do such with the arrogance of invincibility, as if you are in complete control, is presumptuous. Not only does God uphold our lives by the word of His power (cf. Hebrews 1:3), but He demands utter subservience to Him on our part. His will rules our lives (cf. Matthew 28:18-20). Yet many, not thinking about the brevity of life, plan their lives around secular things without even a thought about the Lord’s will. One cannot be pleasing to God with such presumption.

This attitude displays boastful arrogance. “All such boasting is evil” (v. 16). God requires humility before Him (v. 10). We are not in control, He is.

Lastly, an effect of this kind of presumptuous planning, and subsequent boasting, is the sin of omitting to do that which is good to do. God created us for good works (cf. Ephesians 2:8-10). If we do not make plans which are predicated upon God’s will, then we will not be considering what He would have us to do from day to day. So many have prior engagements and are too busy to be involved in that which God requires. This would not be so if they said as they “ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that’” (v. 15).