Sins of omission
James 4:17 is a verse from the New Testament of the Bible, specifically from the book of James. In the New International Version (NIV), the verse reads as follows:
“If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.”
This verse is part of a larger passage in which James addresses issues related to pride, humility, and the proper attitude toward wealth and possessions. In the immediate context, James is admonishing his readers to submit themselves to God, resist the devil, and draw near to God with humility and repentance.
In verse 17, James is emphasizing the importance of doing what is right and good. He asserts that if a person knows what is good and right, and yet fails to do it, it is considered sin. This verse underscores the idea that sin is not only defined by the commission of wrongful actions but also by the omission of right actions that a person knows they should do.
By highlighting the responsibility to act in accordance with the knowledge of what is good, James is calling for integrity and moral responsibility in the lives of believers. The verse serves as a reminder that ethical behavior and obedience to God’s principles are not only about avoiding wrongdoing but also about actively fulfilling one’s duty to do what is right and just.
In the broader context of the book of James, this verse aligns with the overall theme of genuine faith being demonstrated through righteous conduct and good works. James emphasizes the importance of faith expressed through actions and urges believers to live out their faith in practical ways, including caring for the vulnerable and living with a consistent commitment to God’s moral standards.