James 1:16

Do not err, my beloved brethren.

Do {G4105} not {G3361} err {G4105}, my {G3450} beloved {G27} brethren {G80}.

Don’t delude yourselves, my dear brothers.

Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers.

Be not deceived, my beloved brethren.

James 1:16 (KJV) delivers a concise and heartfelt warning from James, the half-brother of Jesus, to his Christian audience: "Do not err, my beloved brethren." This verse acts as a critical transition and a direct admonition, urging believers to maintain a clear and accurate understanding of God's character, especially in the face of life's challenges and temptations.

Context

This short but potent command comes immediately after James's detailed explanation of the origin of temptation. In James 1:13-15, he meticulously clarifies that God Himself never tempts anyone; instead, individuals are tempted when they are lured and enticed by their own evil desires. These desires, when fully developed, lead to sin, and sin ultimately brings forth death. Therefore, the "error" James warns against in verse 16 is the dangerous misconception that God could be the source of evil, temptation, or suffering in a way that implies His malicious intent. It sets the stage for the profound affirmation of God's unchanging nature and generosity in James 1:17, where He is praised as the "Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."

Key Themes

  • Divine Goodness and Purity: The core message is to preserve the truth about God's inherently good, pure, and perfect nature. James emphatically states that God is entirely separate from evil and cannot be the author of temptation.
  • Avoiding Spiritual Deception: The phrase "Do not err" is a strong imperative to avoid being misled, deceived, or going astray from fundamental spiritual truths, particularly regarding who God is and how He acts. This understanding is crucial for a healthy faith and for navigating trials.
  • Human Accountability: By warning against error, James implicitly reinforces the principle that individuals are responsible for their own internal desires and the choices that lead to temptation and sin, rather than attributing them to God.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "do not err" is planasthe (πλανασθε), an imperative form of the verb planao. This verb means "to wander," "to go astray," "to be deceived," or "to be led into error." It's not merely a caution against making a simple mistake, but a serious warning against allowing one's mind or spirit to be led away from foundational truth, leading to a distorted view of God or reality.

Practical Application

For modern believers, James 1:16 offers vital guidance for living a steadfast Christian life:

  • Affirm God's Unchanging Character: In moments of doubt, suffering, or temptation, we must hold firmly to the truth that God is good and righteous. He is never the source of evil in our lives, but rather the giver of "every good gift and every perfect gift" (James 1:17). This helps us avoid blaming God for our struggles.
  • Examine Personal Responsibility: This verse encourages introspection. If we find ourselves questioning God's goodness or blaming Him for our temptations, we are "erring" and need to realign our perspective with biblical truth about our own human desires and choices.
  • Cultivate Discernment: In a world filled with diverse and often conflicting spiritual messages, it is essential to cling to sound doctrine concerning God's nature. A clear understanding that God is immutable, perfectly good, and the source of all blessings helps us to guard against spiritual deception and maintain a correct theological foundation.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • James 1:19

    ¶ Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

  • Galatians 6:7

    Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

  • Philippians 2:12

    ¶ Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

  • Colossians 2:8

    Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

  • Colossians 2:4

    ¶ And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.

  • Hebrews 13:1

    ¶ Let brotherly love continue.

  • Mark 12:24

    And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?
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