Discussion questions:

Is James against people making plans for the future? Why is he critical of the way of talking described in v. 13? Where does our talking fall under James’ critique?

In v. 14 James gives us three reasons to be humble in our planning. What are they? Which one strikes you most as something you need to meditate upon more regularly?

James want us to verbalize “if the Lord wills.” Is he encouraging us to merely add the words as a “pious addendum”? What should this actually look like in our lives?

Jesus submitted to God’s will. He suffered, died, rose again, and has been exalted as Lord. How does this change your understanding of what it means to say “if the Lord wills”? How can this help us to live confidently as people who don’t know what tomorrow holds?