The Sin of Presumption

“Go to now (or come now), ye that say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain.” (James 4:13)

James now focuses our attention on the sin of presumption, of presuming and leaving God out of our plans.

We often presume concerning time. But no one knows what will be on tomorrow or if we shall have a tomorrow. The Bible says, “Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” (Proverbs 27:1)

The sin of presumption includes our mobility, the ability to move about. “We will go…” they said. Numerous times I have been called to the hospital to pray with a patient who was one day active and energetic, but a stroke had put him on a bed. Medical staff surrounded him and waited on him. He could do nothing for himself.

We presume concerning our durability. “…and continue there a year.” We are told in the next verse that we don’t know what shall be on tomorrow, much less a year from now.

Folks presume they will have success.  “…and buy and sell and get gain.” But the Bible says that, “Riches make themselves wings, and fly away.” (Proverbs 23:5)

It is not wrong to make plans. It is wrong to make plans and leave God out of those plans.