4:1 From where are conflicts James asks about the origin of the disputes taking place in the church.

among your members Refers to conflicts among church members.

4:2 you murder James may be referring metaphorically to extreme anger or hatred (Matt 5:21–22; 1 John 3:15). The Greek term used here could reflect a person’s tendency toward anger; such a person is on the verge of murder.

filled with envy Unsatisfied envy leads to fighting and quarreling.

4:4 Adulterous people A figure of speech designating the unfaithfulness of God’s people (e.g., Jer 3:7–10; Matt 12:39).

4:5 spirit which he caused This statement is not found in the ot, suggesting that James could be summarizing several ot passages (compare Matt 2:23; John 7:38; Eph 5:14).

4:6 he gives greater grace God’s grace is greater than the human inclination to sin.

God opposes the proud James quotes Prov 3:34, highlighting God’s opposition toward the proud who disregard Him and despise others. The passage further stresses God’s kindness to the lowly—those who recognize their insufficiency and depend on Him.

4:8 Draw near to God Because the church was fractured and needed healing, James calls the community to collectively approach God.

Cleanse your hands The Greek term used here, cheir, figuratively represents a person’s deeds (compare Psa 24:4; Isa 1:15–16). The command to cleanse them indicates that they were defiled with sin and required purification (2 Cor 7:1).

double-minded See note on James 1:8.

4:9 Lament and mourn and weep James encourages Christians to embrace an attitude of humility and repentance.

Humility Devotional

your laughter The ot often associates laughter with a person who has no fear of God (Prov 29:9; Eccl 7:6).

4:11 speaks evil of a brother or judges his brother The law requires that people love their brothers and sisters in Christ. To speak evil against them violates the kingdom command to love (see note on James 2:8).

4:12 who are you to judge your neighbor Those who judge others adopt a role that belongs to God alone (Gen 18:25; Psa 82:1, 8; Rom 3:6; Heb 12:23).

4:13 Come now The Greek phrase used here aims to gain the audience’s attention heading into a serious discussion.

4:14 what will happen tomorrow James condemns rich business owners for their arrogant self-confidence; he accuses them of acting as though they alone determine the course of their lives, apart from God (Prov 27:1; Luke 12:16–20).