4:1 Desire, greed, is the root of all disparity, war and argument in the world. Every injustice done to any human is derived directly out of greed. Theft. Corruption. Violence. Anger. All evil actions come from an individual's desire to take something from another: their peace of mind, their property, their position, their possessions, their freedom.
4:2 Evil, greed, can never find contentment. In desperation it toils and plunders but for all of its efforts, never finds joy or peace. James teaches us that the method through which to obtain happiness cannot possibly come from greed or desire for material wealth.
4:3 When we pray, we must ensure that what we ask for has just and kind motivations propelling them. To "ask amiss" is to ask for things which would not contribute to the health and well-being of yourself and others. We must not pray for meaningless things. We must pray for gifts and blessings which help us to gift and bless others. We must pray for kindnesses which can abound beyond just ourselves.
4:4 This verse means to say that friendship (unity) with the corruption which takes place on earth is enmity with God. Is in opposition to Spirit. You cannot oppose compassion, truth and justice and remain in good favor with Creation.
4:5-6 God is unimpressed by the arrogant and the corrupted wealthy... more than that, creation resists those souls. Yet with the humble, creation diligently works for and provides to. For the humble share their gifts with others and join Creation's mission. When you join in with Creation's natural compassion, you are able to utilize its strength.
4:7 This and the following several verses instruct us on how to begin to develop pure and humble faith:
- Submit to this compassionate philosophy.
- Deny evil in every moment and decision of your life.
4:8
- Draw near to that which created your spirit, for it (Spirit, Creation, God, the universe) is natural and abundant in love and compassion, wisdom and truth, power and strength.
- Cleanse your works, let what you do be generous and humble, progressive toward justice.
- Cleanse your minds, let your thoughts evolve in humility and compassion.
4:9
- Examine your actions and with sincerity work to better yourself. Have an honest conversation with your soul and with sincerity take responsibility for your actions. For fixing what you may have broken. Begin to build, to construct justice and light and love in places of darkness and desolation.
- Sober yourself. Focus and cleanse your perspective. Look around, discover the places in which you can make a difference. Laughter and joy are wonderful but this verse speaks of ignorant laughter and selfish joy. Lament the unjust and squalid conditions that many humans live in here on earth. Mourn your mistakes... weep in gratitude for your chance at a new, more productive, more compassionate beginning.
4:10
- Humble yourself. Realize that although you are limited as a human, you are limitless as a soul. When you accept your spiritual creator, He (It) is able to lift you... to enable all of the gifts and talents and potential you are capable of.
4:11-12
- Do not speak evil of others. Do not judge others. As humans, we cannot perceive all of the extenuating circumstances of a person's life. We do not know what has influenced them or derailed them during their lives. Only a much more omniscient entity could be fair in judgement. Instead of wasting time gossiping about others' mistakes and shortcomings, be productive in compassion.
4:13-14 We have to come to understand that the length of our lives here is indefinite. The time to become active in faith and compassion is now. If we are conscious of the thinness of ours lives here, James' hope is that we might understand how important it is for us to be active here in every present moment.
The monetary profit we make here is vapor. Before we realize it, our time here is up and then we must look directly at our contributions rather than our gains.
4:15 God-willing. A term we should become familiar with using. Essential it means, "if the conditions of my life allow, I hope too..." It helps us to retain our humility, our understanding of the fragility of life here on earth. For if we understand the fragility of life, we might be quicker to nourish and sustain and promote life. Beyond ourselves. We remember our values... that which cannot be stored in banks and titles: love, friendship, hope, faith, joy.
4:16 Without creation, no soul would even be here. Cast away any arrogance, honestly it only corrupts your character and hurts the lives of people around you.
4:17 If you know better, you are required to do, think and be better. The ignorant are more readily forgiven for their transgressions. Knowing better comes with responsibility.
