B. Warning Against Playing God (4:11-12)

The paragraph beginning at 4:13 does not share in the central theme of the section, but it may be regarded as a sequel to the positive injunction that precedes. Addressing the readers again as brothers, James senses the temptation toward censoriousness on the part of those who attain to holiness. They may think it is their prerogative to expose the sins of others through disparaging criticism, but in reality they want to arrogate to themselves the right to establish criteria for sanctified conduct. In this they may be presuming to act in place of God. Intolerant persons often claim they are representing God by strictness, but actually they are usurping his throne. Usually the persons who pull each other to pieces (see Phillips) aim more to destroy than to save.