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Jam_4:16 expresses the conduct of those addressed in contrast to Jam_4:15; and in such a manner that the judgment upon that conduct is also expressed.
νῦν δέ ] here, as frequently, where the reality in opposition to what is set before a person is emphasized; see 1Co_5:11; 1Co_14:6.
καυχᾶσθε ἐν ταῖς ἀλαζονείαις ὑμῶν ] By ἀλαζονεία is to be understood the arrogant self-reliance on the duration of earthly prosperity; see explanation of 1Jn_2:16. De Wette inaccurately explains it by bragging; Theile, by arroganter facta, dicta; Schneckenburger, by pertness; Wiesinger, by “those arrogant expressions affecting complete independence;” Lange, “by vain and arrogant self-exaltation;” and others differently. The plural is used, because such haughtiness manifests itself differently under different circumstances.
ἐν ] here used differently than in chap. Jam_1:9 : the ἀλαζονείαι are not the object, but the reason of the boasting, that from which it proceeds (against Wiesinger), and καυχᾶσθαι is designated from the standpoint of James: that haughty and presumptuous language in Jam_4:13; comp. Pro_27:1.
With the following words: πᾶσα καύχησις κ . τ . λ .] James definitely expresses his reprobation.
τοιαύτη ] not every boasting in itself (chap. Jam_1:9), but every boasting which proceeds from ἀλαζονεία , which is founded in it and connected with it, is wicked.