This last section of James 4 warns against such self-centered planning. Worldly living does not always show itself in hatred for God. Sometimes it appears in the form of disregarding God as we plan life’s daily activities.

Finally, in verse 15, we hear the proper attitude. We are to seek the will of God in all our plans. Doing the will of God demands an active listening for God’s goals and plans. We must plan for the future, but we must plan with a deliberate seeking of the will of God.

Verses 16 and 17 reveal our disobedient attitude and rebuke our proud, boastful spirit. They call us to a humble dependence on God rather than priding ourselves on our independence.