We tend to think too highly of ourselves and our ability to plan the future. James points out the sobering reality that we are not in control—and the arrogance of acting like we are. One of the ways our faith “works” is by submitting to and doing God’s will instead of our own.

This is one of the most straightforward sections—and one of the most universally indicting—in the book of James. If there’s anything we have learned about James so far, it’s that he has a strong distaste for worthless religion. To James, talk is cheap—and yet, our words matter more than we realize. How we talk to others and about others is a critical indicator of our overall spiritual health and maturity.