21 Jun
2026

Picking and Choosing

Passage: James 4:11-17

REFLECTION QUOTES

Heidelberg Catechism Question #112: What is required in the ninth commandment?

Answer: I must not give false testimony against anyone, twist no one’s words, not gossip or slander, nor condemn or join in condemning anyone rashly and unheard. Rather, I must avoid all lying and deceit as the devil’s own works, under penalty of God’s heavy wrath. In court and everywhere else, I must love the truth, speak and confess it honestly, and do what I can to defend and promote my neighbor’s honor and reputation.

Heidelberg Catechism Question #27: What do you understand by the providence of God?

Answer: God’s providence is his almighty and ever present power, whereby, as with his hand, he still upholds heaven and earth and all creatures, and so governs them that leaf and blade,
rain and drought, fruitful and barren years, food and drink,
health and sickness, riches and poverty, indeed, all things,
come to us not by chance but by his fatherly hand.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 

James gives direct spiritual direction in his letter to the church. Share with one another a relationship or context in your life where you have been able to receive spiritual direction well. What helped you receive truth and guidance from someone else?

Read James 4:11-17. What does this passage show you about God’s character and about being his follower? What challenges, encourages, or sparks questions for you in this passage?

In James 4:10 we read, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” In verses 11-17, there are three significant ways we are directed toward humility: in our words about others, our priorities for tomorrow, and in our obedience. Which of these areas are you more tempted to forget or not consider the Lord?
In The Message translation of verses 11-12 we read, “Don’t bad-mouth each other, friends. It’s God’s Word, his Message, his Royal Rule, that takes a beating in that kind of talk. You’re supposed to be honoring the Message, not writing graffiti all over it. God is in charge of deciding human destiny. Who do you think you are to meddle in the destiny of others?” What tends to be the motivation for us to slander or “bad-mouth” another person? What is the fruit or impact of this way of talking according to James?
In verses 13-16, James is not taking issue with making plans, doing business, or gaining profit. The problem is a life arranged without reference or priority to the Lord. Instead, James directs us to recognize our dependence on the Lord in our plans, business, and profits. In what ways have you found it challenging to do this? What has helped you to remember the Lord and recognize dependence on him in the business of life?
James ends this section with a call to do the good we know. How have you experienced this disconnect between what we know is good to do and actually doing it? Why is this a challenge for us? In what ways can be encouraged to do the good we know? (Consider Jesus’s obedience on our behalf.)
What from this passage and this discussion is something you want to put into practice or be more aware of this week or praise God for?

 

PRAYER

Share with your group how they can be praying for you: what is weighing on you from this past week? What are you praising God for from this past week?

Philippians 4: 4-7 “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”