James 5:1 Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you.
James is going to come down hard on the rich because of their prideful neglect of other people. The rich are an illustration of the principles that he has written about so far in the letter:
- The need to take care of the poor (especially widow and orphans)
- Having faith without action (they may believe but lack love)
- Becoming too caught up in the world’s ways.
Wealth is a trap. It offers many promises, such as happiness and no worry. There is a sense that money can buy many things that can bring emotional happiness because of the physical comfort they bring. I drove a car the other day that was much more solid and comfortable than mine. The problem is that both cars can get hit and ruined. The promises given by money are only temporary and superficial. Wealth can be lost or stolen at a blink of the eye. The promises money makes are temporary, making them in a sense deceiving and empty. Money cannot buy what really matters: eternal life. We must put our money into the right perspective and realize that what God has given to us is intended to benefit others and make our life on earth more pleasant. Money can be a blessing when it is used for God’s glory. This glory may include taking care of our needs, our family, finding things to enjoy such as hobbies or vacations. All of this needs to be kept in the right perspective. James is challenging his rich readers to refocus their wealth and see it from a kingdom perspective.
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