In this chapter we are directed to consider, I. Some causes of contention, besides those mentioned in the foregoing chapter, and to watch against them, James 4:1–5. II. We are taught to abandon the friendship of this world, so as to submit and subject ourselves entirely to God, James 4:4–10. III.

The former chapter speaks of envying one another, as the great spring of strifes and contentions; this chapter speaks of a lust after worldly things, and a setting too great a value upon worldly pleasures and friendships, as that which carried their divisions to a shameful height. I.

In this part of the chapter, I. We are cautioned against the sin of evil-speaking: Speak not evil one of another, brethren, James 4:11. The Greek word, katalaleite, signifies speaking any thing that may hurt or injure another; we must not speak evil things of others, though they be true, unless we…