James 5:5

5:5 You have lived indulgently and luxuriously on the earth. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. ¹ 

James 4:16

4:16 But as it is, ²  you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.

James 3:1

The Power of the Tongue

3:1 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, ³  because you know that we will be judged more strictly. ⁴ 

¹ sn James’ point seems to be that instead of seeking deliverance from condemnation, they have defied God’s law (fattened your hearts) and made themselves more likely objects of his judgment (in a day of slaughter).

² tn Grk “but now.”

³ tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:2.

⁴ tn Grk “will receive a greater judgment.”