Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary James 4:13

"Come now, ye that say, To-day or to-morrow we will go into this city, and spend a year there, and trade, and get gain:" — James 4:13 (ASV)

This section gives another example of the “wisdom” that characterizes the world (cf. 3:15). James addresses businessmen, probably Christians, since v.17 seems to suggest that the readers know that their practice is wrong. He begs them to pay careful attention to the seriousness of what follows. The form of the word “say” suggests that the situation under consideration was something that occurred frequently. Business travel in the first century was common, and Jews especially traveled widely for business purposes (cf. Aquila and Priscilla in Ac 18:2, 18; Romans 16:3). Notice the well-laid plan: (1) “go to this or that city,” (2) “spend a year there,” (3) “carry on business,” and (4) “make money.” The starting time is arranged (“today or tomorrow”); the city has been selected; but God has no place in the plans.