James 4:13-17

As James continues to instruct us in wisdom, this week he turns to an idea that runs through scripture - the brevity of life. It is an idea that is perhaps most explored in Ecclesiastes and the Hebrew word for it is hevel. As James says, we "are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (James 4:14). James ties recognizing this reality to being wise, as does Moses's prayer recorded in the Psalms, "teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom" (Psalm 90:12)