DailyBible

James 4:14 Β· KJV

"Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away."

King James Version

What does James 4:14 mean? β†’

Passage Context

12There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?
13Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:
14Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
15For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.
16But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.

Read full chapter β†’

Devotional Reflection

LoveJoyPeaceGratitudeHopeCompassionAweContentment

But there's always an asterisk in my planning: "If, Lord, this is Your will and timing." I'm not sure about you, but God has repeatedly demonstrated to me that, if I am receptive to Him, His timing is always preferable to my planning. Does it imply I should stop making plans? Probably not. I simply plan with petition, requesting wisdom and the Holy Spirit to assist me in discerning God's timing and doing His will (James 1:5-6 and Ephesians 5:15-18). Life is too short not to plan with prayer and walk led by the Spirit!

Prayer

Father, let it not be done according to my will but according to Yours, today and forever. I beg in Jesus' holy name. Amen.

Reflection Questions

1

How do you view the brevity of life?

2

What priorities do you have in light of life's transience?

3

When have you felt your life was like a vapor?

Life Application

personal growth

Take time to evaluate your life goals and ensure they align with eternal values.

faith

Live each day with intention, remembering the temporary nature of earthly existence.

Related Devotions

Related Prayers

🌍 Global Prayer Community

Someone is praying for you right now.

Pray requests. Thanksgiving. Daily reminders. All in your pocket.

Daily Bible in Your Inbox

Get a daily verse, devotional, and prayer delivered every morning.