1:8

an indecisive man: This phrase describes a man given to doubting, an indication that he fails to put his trust in God. The Greek word James uses literally means “two-souled.” It may convey the idea of being double-minded, trying to go in two directions at once. A man like that is torn between devotion to God and the pull of his own selfish heart. (Compare Pr 28:26; Jer 17:9; Mt 6:24.) He might even hesitate to take matters to God in prayer. James adds that such a man is unsteady in all his ways, that is, in all his actions. The Greek term for “unsteady” is used in the Septuagint at Isa 54:11 to render a Hebrew word for “storm-tossed.” By using this term, James may be continuing the maritime illustration he started at Jas 1:6.​—See study notes on Jas 1:6; 4:8.