Do Not Boast about Tomorrow
(James 4:13–17)

1Do not boast about tomorrow,

for you do not know what a day may bring.

2Let another praise you, and not your own mouth—

a stranger, and not your own lips.

3A stone is heavy and sand is a burden,

but aggravation from a fool outweighs them both.

4Wrath is cruel and anger is like a flood,

but who can withstand jealousy?

5Better an open rebuke

than love that is concealed.

6The wounds of a friend are faithful,

but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

7The soul that is full loathes honey,

but to a hungry soul, any bitter thing is sweet.

8Like a bird that strays from its nest

is a man who wanders from his home.

9Oil and incense bring joy to the heart,

and the sweetness of a friend is counsel to the soul.

10Do not forsake your friend or your father’s friend,

and do not go to your brother’s house

in the day of your calamity;

better a neighbor nearby

than a brother far away.

11Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart,

so that I can answer him who taunts me.

12The prudent see danger and take cover;

but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.

13Take the garment of him who posts security for a stranger;

get collateral if it is for a foreigner.a

14If one blesses his neighbor with a loud voice early in the morning,

it will be counted to him as a curse.

15A constant dripping on a rainy day

and a contentious woman are alike—

16restraining her is like holding back the wind

or grasping oil with one’s right hand.

17As iron sharpens iron,

so one man sharpens another.b

18Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit,

and he who looks after his master will be honored.

19As water reflects the face,

so the heart reflects the true man.

20Sheol and Abaddonc are never satisfied;

so the eyes of man are never satisfied.

21A crucible for silver and a furnace for gold,

but a man is tested by the praise accorded him.

22Though you grind a fool like grain with mortar and a pestle,

yet his folly will not depart from him.

23Be sure to know the state of your flocks,

and pay close attention to your herds;

24for riches are not forever,

nor does a crown endure to every generation.

25When hay is removed and new growth appears

and the grain from the hills is gathered,

26the lambs will provide you with clothing,

and the goats with the price of a field.

27You will have plenty of goats’ milk to feed you—

food for your household

and nourishment for your maidservants.