THE LOWER AND THE HIGHER LIFE _CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL NOTES_ James 4:1. LUSTS.—Pleasures, but viewed on their evil side. _Desires_ that are ill regulated. Compare 1 Peter 2:11; Romans 7:23. Evidently James was much distressed by the strife of parties, and the personal quarrellings, in the Jewish... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL NOTES_ James 4:5.—The precise rendering is doubtful. There is no passage either in the Canonical or Apocryphal Scriptures that is here referred to. The _Revised Version_ gives in the text, “Doth the spirit which He made to dwell in us long unto envying? But He giveth more gr... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL NOTES_ James 4:11. SPEAK NOT EVIL.—Backbite (Romans 1:30; 2 Corinthians 12:20). Omit “and” before “judgeth.” James 4:12.—Read, “There is one lawgiver and judge.” _MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— James 4:11_ Criticising Persons.—Again and again we are reminded how thoro... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL NOTES_ James 4:13. SUCH A CITY.—“This city”; the one the speaker is supposed to have in mind. James 4:14. WHAT SHALL BE.—“What your life shall be on the morrow.” VANISHETH AWAY.—_Alford_, “vanisheth as it appeared.” James 4:15. OUGHT TO SAY.—Lit. “instead of saying.” Jame... [ Continue Reading ]