James 4:16

Verse 16 But now ye rejoice in your boastings.

The reference here, I think, is to the vain boast contained in verse 13, wherein they asserted that to-day or to-morrow they would do certain things, having no reference to God, or to God's will and pleasure, but consulting only their own arrogant will and determination. Now, having shown them their entire dependence upon God, the uncertain tenure of life, and what intelligent creatures ought to say, and the sentiments which they ought to and will entertain if guided by common sense and reason, the apostle declares that actions in disregard of these are simply sinful. He declares with emphasis that all boasting in which duty to God is not recognized, and his supremacy in the government of the world not acknowledged, is positively wicked.