James 4:16

But now. Or, “but actually,” that is, instead of what you should be saying.

Rejoice. Gr. kauchaomai, “to boast,” “to glory.” Far from realizing the seriousness of their condition, these boasting church members (cf. v. 13) continue confidently to make their plans for the future. Instead of being humble before God they vaunt their self-sufficiency.

Boastings. Gr. alazoneiai, “pretensions,” “braggings.” Presumptuous confidence in one’s cleverness, skill, and strength is implied. These self-reliant church members acted as if the future was in their hands and that their success was the product of their own genius.

Such. That is, all of this kind of boasting, which presumptuously exalts the abilities of man. To boast, or glory in, the achievements of God would not be evil. Paul, for instance, gloried in the cross of Christ (see Gal. 6:14; 1 Thess. 2:19).

Evil. That is, because it exalts self-sufficiency and fosters presumption, this type of thinking in is basically wicked and akin to the spirit of Lucifer (see on Isa. 14:13, 14; Eze. 28:14-18).