James 4:15

KJV

For that ye [ought] to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.

KJV (with Strong's)

For that {G473} ye {G5209} ought to say {G3004}, If {G1437} the Lord {G2962} will {G2309},{G2532} we shall live {G2198}{G2198}, and {G2532} do {G4160}{G4160} this {G5124}, or {G2228} that {G1565}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Instead, you ought to say, “If Adonai wants it to happen, we will live” to do this or that.

Berean Standard Bible

Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.”

American Standard Version

For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall both live, and do this or that.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
James 4:15 serves as a profound corrective to human arrogance and self-sufficiency, calling believers to acknowledge God's ultimate sovereignty over all future plans and the very duration of their lives. This verse encapsulates a foundational principle of Christian living: all endeavors, aspirations, and even existence itself are contingent upon the Lord's divine will and permissive grace, fostering a posture of humble dependence rather than presumptuous boasting.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** James 4:15 stands as the direct, humble antidote to the presumptuous boasting condemned in the preceding verses. James first confronts the self-assured merchant-class believers who confidently declare their future business plans without any reference to divine providence in [James 4:13](/james/4-13 "James 4:13 - Presumptuous Planning"). He then underscores the extreme fragility and brevity of human life, likening it to a [vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away](/james/4-14 "James 4:14 - Life as a Vapor"), thereby highlighting the utter folly of such arrogant certainty about tomorrow. Verse 15, therefore, presents the Spirit-inspired alternative: a humble, God-honoring declaration that places all future intentions under the benevolent, sovereign hand of God. This verse also sets the stage for the subsequent condemnation of pride and boasting in [James 4:16](/james/4-16 "James 4:16 - Boasting is Evil") and the call to action based on knowing God's will in [James 4:17](/james/4-17 "James 4:17 - Knowing and Doing Good").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The epistle of James was likely written to Jewish Christians dispersed throughout the Roman Empire (cf. [James 1:1](/james/1-1 "James 1:1 - To the Twelve Tribes Scattered Among the Nations")). In the bustling commercial centers of the ancient world, it was common for merchants and traders to make elaborate plans for their ventures, often with great confidence in their own abilities and foresight. This cultural backdrop of ambitious, self-reliant business planning provides the immediate context for James's rebuke. The Jewish tradition, however, emphasized God's absolute sovereignty over all of life, a principle deeply embedded in the Old Testament (e.g., [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps")). James is thus calling these believers back to a fundamental tenet of their shared heritage, reminding them that their Christian faith should deepen, not diminish, their reliance on God, contrasting the prevailing secular mindset with a truly biblical worldview.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within James's epistle and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it champions **Divine Sovereignty**, asserting that God is in ultimate control of all things, including the very breath we draw and every future endeavor. Our existence and ability to act are entirely dependent on His permission and purpose, directly countering any humanistic or self-reliant worldview. Secondly, it calls for **Humility and Submission**. The phrase "If the Lord will" is an act of profound humility, acknowledging our creaturely limitations and submitting our plans to a higher, perfect will. This stands in stark contrast to the "boasting and pride" explicitly condemned in [James 4:16](/james/4-16 "James 4:16 - Boasting is Evil"), which God actively opposes (cf. [1 Peter 5:5](/1_peter/5-5 "1 Peter 5:5 - God Resists the Proud")). Thirdly, it advocates for **Provisional Planning**. While believers are encouraged to plan and work diligently, this verse teaches that such plans should always be held loosely, subject to God's overriding will. This aligns with the biblical understanding that "Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails" ([Proverbs 19:21](/proverbs/19-21 "Proverbs 19:21 - The Lord's Purpose Prevails")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **say (Greek, _légō'_):** From G3004, meaning "to 'lay' forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words...); by implication, to mean." This word suggests a deliberate and systematic declaration, implying that this is not merely a casual utterance but a fundamental posture of speech and thought that ought to characterize the believer's approach to future plans. It's about expressing a genuine acknowledgment of God's role.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** From G2962, meaning "supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful title)." This term emphasizes God's absolute dominion and rightful ownership over all things, including the lives and plans of His people. It highlights His position as the ultimate decider and sovereign ruler, whose will is paramount.
* **will (Greek, _thélō'_):** From G2309, meaning "to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse...); by implication, to wish, i.e. be inclined to." This word speaks to God's active, purposeful desire and intention. It's not a passive permission but an expression of His sovereign choice and design for our lives and the world. Our plans are subject to His active determination.
* **live (Greek, _záō'_):** From G2198, meaning "to live (literally or figuratively)." This word encompasses not only physical existence but also the vitality and capacity to act. James reminds us that even our very breath and the ability to carry out any plan are entirely dependent on God's sustaining power and His will for our continued life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For that ye ought to say":** This introductory phrase indicates that the preceding rebuke (James 4:13-14) necessitates a different, proper way of speaking and thinking about the future. The phrase "ought to say" (ἀντὶ τοῦ λέγειν) implies a moral obligation or a fitting response, contrasting the presumptuous declarations with the humble, God-honoring alternative. It's a call to adopt a correct spiritual posture.
* **"If the Lord will":** This is the core condition and theological heart of the verse. The Greek "ἐὰν ὁ Κύριος θέλῃ" (ean ho Kyrios thelē) is a conditional clause expressing dependence. "If" (ean) introduces a real possibility, but one entirely contingent upon the "Lord's" (Kyrios) active "will" (thelē). It is an explicit recognition of divine sovereignty over all human endeavors, acknowledging that our plans are not guaranteed but are subject to God's ultimate purpose and permission.
* **"we shall live, and do this, or that":** This clause outlines the scope of God's sovereignty: not only over our actions ("do this, or that") but, more fundamentally, over our very existence ("we shall live"). The ability to live another day and to execute any plan is entirely a gift from God. The "this, or that" refers back to the specific business or personal plans mentioned in [James 4:13](/james/4-13 "James 4:13 - Presumptuous Planning"), emphasizing that all such intentions must be held loosely under the Lord's supreme authority.

#### Literary Devices
James 4:15 employs several impactful literary devices. Foremost is **Contrast**, as the verse directly juxtaposes the arrogant, self-sufficient planning of [James 4:13](/james/4-13 "James 4:13 - Presumptuous Planning") with the humble, God-dependent posture it prescribes. This contrast is further heightened by the preceding **Metaphor** of life as a "vapor" in [James 4:14](/james/4-14 "James 4:14 - Life as a Vapor"), which underscores the fragility of human existence and the folly of presuming upon tomorrow. The entire statement "If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that" functions as a direct **Admonition** or **Instruction**, providing a clear command for correct behavior and speech. The use of a **Conditional Clause** ("If the Lord will") is a grammatical device that powerfully conveys the contingency of human plans upon divine will, making the theological point explicit and undeniable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
James 4:15 encapsulates a profound theological truth about God's absolute sovereignty and human dependence. It is a call to live with an acute awareness that every breath, every opportunity, and every future moment is a gift from the Creator, subject to His perfect and wise design. This perspective cultivates genuine humility, dismantling the human tendency towards self-reliance and pride, which are anathema to God. It transforms the act of planning from a mere logistical exercise into an act of worship, where every intention is prayerfully submitted to the One who holds all things in His hands. Thus, the Christian life is not about dictating terms to God, but about aligning our desires and actions with His revealed will, trusting that His plans are always superior to our own.

* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "The Lord Directs Our Steps")
* [Psalm 37:23](/psalms/37-23 "The Steps of a Good Man are Ordered by the Lord")
* [Acts 18:21](/acts/18-21 "Paul's Intentions, God Willing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For the contemporary believer, James 4:15 is far more than a pious platitude; it is a foundational principle for living a life of humble dependence and profound trust in God. In a world that often celebrates self-made success and confident declarations of future achievements, this verse calls us to a counter-cultural posture. It encourages us to approach all our plans—whether for career, family, ministry, or personal growth—with an open hand, recognizing that our ability to "live, and do this, or that" is a gracious gift from God. This means cultivating a habit of prayerful consideration before embarking on new ventures, seeking God's guidance, and committing our ways to Him, understanding that His redirection or even cessation of our plans is ultimately for our good and His glory. Embracing "If the Lord will" fosters a spirit of contentment and peace, even when our meticulously crafted plans do not unfold as expected, because our ultimate security rests not in our foresight, but in His unfailing sovereignty.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the brevity of life (as a vapor) in [James 4:14](/james/4-14 "James 4:14 - Life as a Vapor") inform your understanding of James 4:15?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you tend to plan with self-sufficiency rather than humble dependence on God's will?**
* **What practical steps can you take to more consistently incorporate "If the Lord will" (or its equivalent in spirit) into your daily planning and conversations?**
* **How does submitting your plans to God's will foster peace and reduce anxiety about the future?**

### FAQ

**Does James 4:15 mean Christians shouldn't make plans for the future?**

Answer: No, James 4:15 does not forbid planning. Instead, it corrects the *presumptuous attitude* with which plans are often made. The issue is not the act of planning itself, which is a wise and responsible practice (e.g., [Proverbs 21:5](/proverbs/21-5 "Proverbs 21:5 - The Plans of the Diligent Lead to Profit")), but the arrogant certainty that one's plans will come to fruition regardless of God's will. The verse calls for a humble, God-dependent approach to planning, acknowledging that our lives and future endeavors are ultimately in His sovereign hands. We are to plan diligently, but always with an open hand, submitting our intentions to the Lord's ultimate authority.

**Is it necessary to explicitly say "God willing" or "Deo volente" every time I mention a future event?**

Answer: While the explicit phrase "If the Lord will" (or "God willing") is a direct application of this verse, the core message is about the *posture of the heart* rather than a rigid verbal formula. The verse calls for an internal acknowledgment of God's sovereignty over all future events. For some, verbalizing "God willing" is a helpful and sincere expression of this truth. For others, it might be an unspoken, deeply held conviction that permeates all their planning and conversation. The danger James addresses is the *presumption* that denies or ignores God's ultimate control, not the absence of a specific phrase. The spirit of the verse is to live with constant awareness that "In him we live and move and have our being" ([Acts 17:28](/acts/17-28 "Acts 17:28 - In Him We Live")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
James 4:15, with its emphasis on submitting to the Lord's will, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. From the very beginning of His earthly ministry, Jesus consistently demonstrated a life lived in absolute submission to the Father's will. His food, He declared, was "to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work" ([John 4:34](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' Food is to Do God's Will")). In the Garden of Gethsemane, facing the agony of the cross, He prayed, "Not my will, but yours be done" ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")), embodying the very humility and dependence James advocates. Christ's entire life was lived "if the Lord will," culminating in His sacrificial death and resurrection, which were all according to the "definite plan and foreknowledge of God" ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Definite Plan")). As believers, we are called to live "in Christ," which means adopting His posture of radical obedience and trust in the Father's sovereign plan. Our ability to "live, and do this, or that" is not merely subject to God's will, but is empowered by the indwelling Spirit of Christ, enabling us to live out God's purposes for our lives as part of His grand redemptive narrative ([Philippians 2:13](/philippians/2-13 "God Works in You")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 19:21

¶ [There are] many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.

Hebrews 6:3

And this will we do, if God permit.

Lamentations 3:37

¶ Who [is] he [that] saith, and it cometh to pass, [when] the Lord commandeth [it] not?

Acts 18:21

But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.

Romans 1:10

Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.

1 Corinthians 16:7

For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.

Romans 15:32

That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.