Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business. James 1:9-11
“The first everyday situation to which James speaks is that of concern about social status. Some of those to whom he writes are in humble circumstances; that is, they are poor, with low social status, and may be tempted to envy the rich. James reminds these poor believers that their real value is not based on what they have. God has accepted them into his family, and so they occupy a high position.
They need to remember that those whom the world sees as great are not necessarily great in God’s eyes. In fact, riches can be a temptation for Christians because it is easy to trust in them for security rather than in God. Those who are rich and belong to the upper class of soci- ety would be wise to be prepared for a fall and a drop in status.
The fall of rich people is very common in Africa. James describes the life of a rich person as being like σ wild flower that blossoms for a while and then fades for ever. The rich will die, just like the poor. When the author speaks of the raising of the poor and the bringing down of the rich, he is not endorsing a struggle for a classless society. He does not condemn the rich because they are rich. He simply wants to make it clear that life cannot be based on riches. In the long run, the rich have no advantage over the poor.”
Solomon Andria (Madagascar) in “James” in Africa Bible Commentary, Tokunboh Adeyemo, General Editor (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2006).
Ponder what our African brother teaches us today. In expounded on these three powerful verses from chapter one of James, we learn that “the rich have no advantage over the poor.”
I might push it one step further. I think the rich have a greater disadvantage because of the human tendency to misplace our trust in riches rather than place our trust in God.
Thank you God for James and how his epistle teaches us the right perspective in a week when our focus is thanksgiving. The more we have, the more self-reliant we become. Proverbs tells us we forget about God and even disown him altogether.
Two things I ask of you, Lord; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God. Proverbs 30:7-9
Father in heaven, teach us by your Holy Spirit to place our trust in you rather than riches in the short time we live on this earth. Keep falsehood and lies from us and give us neither poverty nor riches, but only our daily bread. When we abound teach us to share generously. When we find ourselves in need, help us wait on you. Hear my prayer in Jesus name. Amen.