Do What is Right

Journey through James: 4:17

So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.— James 4:17

In chapter four, James discusses how our pride and sin cause us to conflict with others, distance ourselves from God, and plan foolishly. To close this section, James ends with what may be one of the most convicting verses in all of Scripture. 

We all know that there are areas in our lives where we struggle with pride and sin. However, now God also tells us that if we know the right thing to do but don’t do it, for us that is sin. This means that there are times when mere inaction on our parts is sin. That is a heavy thought. 

When we know something is right and we can accomplish it, then we need to do it. James is not telling us that we need to walk around attempting to solve all of the world’s problems because we think we know what the right thing to do is in every situation. James is telling us that within our own lives and in our own areas of influence there are right actions we can and should take. 

If accomplishing this verse were left only to us and our strength, it would be a condemning and depressing verse. However, God would not call us to do something that He will not also enable us to do. When He puts a situation or action in front of us, He will help us do what is right. That does not mean it will be easy, but it is possible. 

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.— Hebrews 4:14-16

Why did James include this verse here? He has just given us instructions on how we should interact with others, with God, and with our own plans. Sometimes, we read this verse by itself and get overwhelmed with hypothetical situations. This verse is meant to be practical. God’s will for us is to walk with Him. He has given us His Word so that we can know Him and follow His commands. James is telling us that we know what we need to do—now we just need to go out and do it. Read back through James 4 and list the practical things that we now know. God did not give us these instructions to help us increase in knowledge; rather, He gave them to us so we can practically apply them in our lives. 

This verse can help us simplify what God wants from us. He wants us to do the next right thing He has set before us.