Tyndale Open Study NotesJames 4

Conflicts and quarrels (literally wars and battles): James uses military imagery to show that their own evil desires cause the battles among church members. These desires are at war within themselves. James uses the Greek word for passions again in 4:3 (translated as “pleasures”). This frames the entire paragraph and show the source of conflict and unanswered prayer (Luke 8:14; Titus 3:3).

you kill and covet: Killing was the extreme but logical result of their greedy mindset. Some of James's readers might have joined the Jewish Zealot movement and committed murder for their cause. Hostile attitudes and violent methods do not bring satisfaction—you cannot achieve your goals with them.

James explains the causes of conflict among people: love for the world, divided loyalty, and arrogant criticism (4:11–12). He gives instructions that will fix these problems and lead to peace.

• You adulteresses: James uses this prophetic imagery to challenge his audience (see, for example, Jeremiah 3:6; Hosea 3:1). They were seeking what friendship with the world could offer them. This included:

  • social acceptance (James 2:1–4),

  • prestige (3:1), or

  • wealth (4:13).

  Divided loyalty toward God is like being unfaithful to a spouse (4:8).

• In ancient times, “friend” was a title for special and exclusive relationships (Luke 23:12, Herod and Pilate). John 19:12 speaks of Pilate as “friend of Caesar” (see also 1 Maccabees 2:18; 6:28). The Scriptures call Moses and Abraham “friend of God” (Exodus 33:11; James 2:23; 2 Chronicles 20:7; Isaiah 41:8; compare John 15:15).

• The world consists of society that opposes God and his kingdom. The world follows earthly wisdom, not heavenly wisdom (James 3:15–17). Evil desires, fighting, and killing mark the world (4:2–3).

the Scripture says: James summarizes one of the messages of Scripture. The spirit God placed in us should be faithful to him.

Resist the devil: See also Ephesians 6:11; 1 Peter 5:8.

• Draw near to God: This means building a friendship (2:23) and being loyal (1:6–8).

• cleanse your hands … purify your hearts: The applies the biblical idea of ceremonial cleansing to purifying your intentions (compare Mark 7:1–23).

God honors those who humble themselves before him, replacing the shame of their persecution and oppression (James 2:6–7).

These verses discuss the teaching in Matthew 7:1 and Luke 6:37 (see study note on James 1:22–23).

do not slander one another: This appeal for peace among Christians means they must not speak badly about one another. Speaking badly about a neighbor is like speaking badly about God's law. This is because the law forbids slander and requires loving your neighbor (2:8; Leviticus 19:16–18; Matthew 7:1–5).

Traveling merchants relied on their own determination to overcome poverty and low social status. James encourages acknowledging God's providence. He also warns against making arrogant plans beyond one's control.

The Lord controls life and death (Deuteronomy 32:39; 1 Samuel 2:6; Matthew 10:28).

Christians can proudly share what God has done (1:9–10). But they should not brag about their own plans. When people make plans without considering God's will, they act as if they control their own future. These kinds of plans assume that God has no authority over people's lives.

who knows the right thing to do: this verse is probably a saying that James thought his audience would know. Its origin is unknown, but it aligns with Scripture teachings (compare Deuteronomy 24:15; Proverbs 3:27–28; Matthew 25:41–46; Luke 12:47).