Life is but a vapor, and James reminds us of this important truth in his practical teaching. When we focus too much on temporary things, we miss what truly matters in eternity. The things we put so much importance on simply don’t last, which is why we shouldn’t waste our energy on boasting.
Boasting isn’t just bragging about accomplishments. The word James uses literally means “to be loud-mouthed” or “speaking loudly.” This broader definition shows how boasting can affect many areas of our lives. As Paul warns in 1 Corinthians 5:6, “Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump?” Like leaven spreading through dough, boasting can infect every area of our lives.
Why Is Speaking Evil of Others a Form of Boasting?
James identifies speaking evil against others as a dangerous form of boasting. He writes, “Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law.”
When we judge others, we’re essentially boasting that we are better than the person we’re criticizing. We loudly proclaim that we know better than they do. This puts us in the position of a judge—a role that belongs only to Jesus Christ.
James makes an interesting point for those who were legalistic and law-focused: when you judge others, you’re actually judging the law itself. The first time you break the law, you bring a bad light not only on yourself but on the law itself.
The Church’s Struggle with Judgment
James specifically addresses this issue within the church community, using the word “brothers” to indicate he’s talking about believers judging other believers. The church can often be a judgmental bunch, and this judgment is frequently disguised as concern but is really gossip.
When we put ourselves in the place of judging other believers, we assume a position of authority we don’t have. We don’t know what others are going through or the struggles behind their decisions. We’re viewing everything through our limited perspective.
True humility before God and others prevents us from arrogantly judging one another. When we judge others verbally, it’s a form of boasting that we’re better or would do differently—even though we’re just as guilty of making mistakes in other areas.
How Does Boasting About Money and Plans Reveal Our Hearts?
The second area of boasting James addresses is how we talk about making money. He writes, “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit,’ yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring.”
People love to brag about salary packages, investment portfolios, and plans to make money. This was no different in James’s time, when people would travel to different cities to make money with their skills or wares.
When we boast about our financial plans, we’re essentially proclaiming our independence from God. James warns us that we don’t know what tomorrow brings. We can make plans—there’s nothing wrong with that—but we shouldn’t brag about what hasn’t happened yet.
Life Is But a Mist
James gives us a profound reason for this caution: “What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.”
This isn’t meant to depress us or suggest our lives are meaningless. Rather, James is emphasizing that our time on earth is very short compared to eternity. We need an eternal focus.
The most important things we can do are those that will last for eternity. Some of us may make a lot of money, some may not. Some may have dream careers, others may bounce between jobs. But James urges us not to boast about earthly accomplishments and instead focus on what will have eternal benefit.
How Do We Find and Follow God’s Will?
James offers a solution to our tendency to boast: “Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.'”
One of the most common searches online is still “What is God’s will for my life?” The answer is simpler than we might think: God’s will is that we have a deep relationship with Him and that we’re obedient to whatever He calls us to do.
If God is calling you to a business venture, pursue it with all you have. But we must be open to His will in all areas. We can have dreams and ambitions—there’s nothing wrong with that—but we need to place them within the context of “if this is God’s will.”
Being Open to God’s Direction
Christians often get frustrated when God has put something on their heart, but then the path doesn’t unfold in a straight line. God may want you to be successful in your career, but He wants you to be open to how He accomplishes that and how He uses you in the process.
When things don’t go according to our plans, we can’t throw a spiritual temper tantrum. Instead, we need to be open to course corrections and remain available to His will.
Paul gives us excellent guidance in Romans 12:1-2:
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
This passage outlines a practical approach to finding God’s will:
- Present yourself as a living sacrifice
- Pursue holiness and acceptability to God
- Resist conformity to the worldRenew your mind daily
- Be willing to be tested
When we follow this path, we will know God’s will for our lives and won’t waste our time on earth.
Life Application
The danger of boasting is that it focuses attention on ourselves and creates blind spots that cause us to miss opportunities God wants to use us in. This week, challenge yourself in these ways:
- Examine your speech: Are you speaking critically of others, especially fellow believers? Remember that when you judge others, you’re putting yourself in a position that belongs only to Christ.
- Check your plans: Are you making plans without considering God’s will? Practice saying “if the Lord wills” not just with your lips but with your heart.
- Shift your focus: Consider what you’re investing your time and energy in. Are you focused on temporary achievements or eternal impact?
- Submit to God’s will: Present yourself as a living sacrifice each morning, asking God to use you according to His purposes.
Ask yourself these questions:
- In what areas of my life am I most prone to boasting?
- How might my critical words about others reveal pride in my heart?
- What would change if I truly lived as though my life is “but a mist”?
- Am I resisting God’s will in any area because it doesn’t match my plans?
- What eternal impact could I have this week if I fully submitted to God’s direction?
Don’t waste your life on boasting. Submit to God’s will and allow Him to use you for His glory.
