James – Page 2 – Ministry of Grace Church

Category: James

James 5:10 – Glorifying Patience

Posted on June 12, 2015 by Will

My brothers take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering affliction and of patience.

Truth to Learn

The prophets suffered terribly but patiently and did so for God’s glory.

Behind the Words

“Example” is translated from hupodeigma, which is made up of hupo (or hypo), meaning “under” and a form of deiknuō, meaning “to show.” Hence, this word means “to show under” or “to set before the eyes” or “to make an example of.”

The word translated “suffering affliction” is the Greek word kakopatheia, which is made up of kakos, meaning “evil” or “bad” and a form of pathos, meaning “passion, extreme emotion, or strong feelings.” Hence, kakopatheia refers to “the extreme suffering resulting from affliction.”

Meaning Explained

James has just told us that not only do we need to be patient, but we need to do so quietly and without murmuring against our brothers.

I can hear you now, “But you don’t realize what kind of hardship I have to endure right now. Surely, if God really loved me He wouldn’t make me go through this!”

Once again James, in his simple practical way, gives us an example of what he’s talking about. We need to learn to be patient like the prophets who spoke in the name of Jehovah. Even these prophets did not understand what this salvation was all about which they were preaching, as it says in 1 Peter,

Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, made careful searches and inquiries, seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. To whom it was revealed that they were not serving themselves, but you … (1 Peter 1:10-12)

And what kind of suffering did they go through?

And others received trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, and even of bonds and imprisonment: they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they went about in sheepskins and goatskins; being in need, being afflicted, being ill-treated; (of whom the world was not worthy:) wandering in deserts, and in mountains, and in caves in the holes of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, did not receive the promise… (Hebrews 11:36-39)

These prophets didn’t always know why they were suffering, but they were ready and willing to do so for the glory of God!

Application

Have you suffered like that for God? Are you willing to? Let’s take our eyes off other people now and look to the Lamb of God who was slain to set us free. Have we suffered like He did? My friends, if you are suffering for God right now and trying to be patient, I pray for you. Not that God would take the suffering away from you, not that He would answer your prayers quickly, but that He would produce in you Christ-like obedience and patience and that He would be glorified through your suffering!

In God's service, for His glory,

James 5:9 – Grumbling Judgment

Posted on June 11, 2015 by Will

Do not murmur against one another, brothers, that you be not condemned. Behold, the Judge stands before the door!

Truth to Learn

Complaining about other Christians does not please God.

Behind the Words

The word translated “murmur” is the Greek word stenadzō. This is based on the adjective stenos, meaning “narrow” or “squeezed” as when one is squeezed by circumstances. Hence, stenadzō is the action that results from being squeezed, that is, to “sigh, groan, grumble, or complain.” The idea in James’ use of the word is that of complaining about someone else’s fortunate circumstances or complaining against someone else.

The words “one another” are from allēlōn, meaning “each other, yourselves, or one another.” James’ use of this word, immediately followed by “brothers,” indicates that he is talking about a Christian grumbling against another brother or sister in Christ.

“Condemned” is another of those words we have looked at recently, meaning “to pass judgment down against” or “to condemn.”

The word “stands” is translated from the Greek verb histēmi, meaning “to stand.” It is expressed here in the perfect tense, indicating past completed action with an ongoing effect, where the emphasis is on the ongoing effect.

Meaning Explained

We, as Christians, should never be discontent when a brother or sister receives a blessing from God. Likewise, we should never speak against a brother or sister because of a position they have. Instead, we should rejoice that a child of God has been blessed by the Father.

Nonetheless, our carnal nature is often envious or even jealous of other Christians and we compensate for it by speaking against them. James says that this should not be so. When we do grumble against, or complain about, each other, we are really condemning ourselves. Back in James 4:11, 12 we were told:

Do not speak against one another, brothers. The one speaking against his brother and judging his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is one Lawgiver and Judge, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you who judging your neighbor?

When we grumble against a brother or sister in Christ, we are usurping the position of judge, which belongs to God and God alone. That’s why James reminds us here that, “the Judge is standing before the door.” In other words, he hears our words and is coming soon, as we were told in the previous verse.

It’s bad enough when an unsaved person speaks against Christians; we should not do likewise. Instead, we should be building up one another, as it says in Hebrews 10:25,

…but encouraging one another; and so much the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Application

The next time you are tempted to say something negative about a fellow Christian, imagine that Jesus is standing next to you. In the light of His holiness and your sinfulness, are you still willing to say what you were about to regarding your brother or sister in Christ?

Instead of being grumblers and tearing down the body of Christ, let us be encouragers, and build it up!

In God's service, for His glory,

James 5:8 – Patiently Waiting

Posted on June 10, 2015 by Will

You also be patient. Set your hearts firmly, for the coming of the Lord has drawn near.

Truth to Learn

Patience, firmly rooted in faith, will serve us well as we anticipate the soon return of our Lord.

Behind the Words

The word “patient” is from makrothumeō, which, as we saw previously, means “to exercise understanding and patience towards other persons, especially those who are oppressive.”

“Set … firmly” is translated from stēridzō, which means “to firmly set in place.” The reference to our heart is a reference to our conviction, or faith. A faint hearted person has little faith or conviction to rely on, but one who has a heart that is firmly set in place is someone who has a strengthened, resolute conviction and he or she rests on this firm faith.

The phrase “has drawn near” is from engidzō, meaning “to draw near.” This verb is expressed in the perfect tense indicating past completed action with an ongoing effect. Hence, James is saying that the coming of the Lord has already drawn near and is, therefore, near at hand now.

Meaning Explained

Just as the farmer has learned to be long suffering (to persevere patiently) we need to persevere patiently when God places us in situations where we need to wait on Him. In those times when we are tempted to say, “God, why are you letting these things happen to me?” we need to be patient and realize that He is in control. We need to strengthen our conviction that God really does love us and wants the best for us.

How often do we consider being dependent on others as a weakness! We seem to think that being independent and self-sufficient is the answer to all of life’s problems. That’s why we work so hard at our jobs, saving up enough to carry us through into retirement. We hoard up goods toward the last days. Yet, the successful Christian (one who is full of peace and joy) is one who has learned to be totally dependent on God and to wait patiently for His timing on all things. It is when we do our own thing and stray from the path that God has lain out before us that we get ourselves into sin and separate ourselves from the fellowship of the Almighty Creator.

James now reminds us that the Lord is coming very soon. When Christ was asked by his disciples what would be the sign of His coming and when it would happen, He gave them a detailed description of the events of the Great Tribulation. At the end of this description, our Lord described His return thus:

Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory, and these things beginning to happen, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near. (Luke 21:27, 28)

When we get discouraged, we tend to look down and feel sorry for ourselves. Instead, we should be looking up, anticipating His return at any moment.

Application

Let us remember, once again, that the key to success as a Christian is not to work harder and trust in our own abilities, but to submit to God and commit to His ways! Work hard at serving Him when and where He calls you. God will take care of everything else!

Lift up your eyes, because the coming of the Lord is very near. It could even be today!

In God's service, for His glory,

James 5:7 – Patient Suffering

Posted on June 9, 2015 by Will

Therefore, brothers, be patient until the coming of the Lord. See, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it might receive the early and latter rains.

Truth to Learn

Patiently suffering in the midst of unfair treatment by others will bring glory to God.

Behind the Words

The word translated “patient” is the Greek word, makrothumeō. This is a compound word made up of makros, meaning “long” and thumos, meaning “wrath” or “anger.” Hence, makrothumeō means “to suffer long” or “to persevere patiently.” This is different than the word hupomenō, translated “patience” in James 1:3, 4. Generally, hupomenō (remaining under) refers to patiently putting up with things or circumstances, whereas makrothumeō (being long suffering) means to exercise understanding and patience towards other persons, especially those who are oppressive.

“Coming” is from parousia, which is from paron, meaning “to be present.” Thus, parousia represents “the presence” of someone or something.

The Greek word ekdechomai is translated here as “waits.” Ekdechomai is made up of ek, meaning “out” or “out of” and dechomai, meaning “to receive.” In its common usage it means “to watch for” or “to wait for with expectation.”

“Early” is translated from proimon, which is an adjective that refers to “daybreak” or “early morning.” It is the word used to describe the rains that come in the autumn.

“Latter” is translated from opsimos, which is derived from opse, meaning “late.” Opsimos is the word used to describe the rains that come in the spring.

Meaning Explained

Now that James has admonished the rich for their unjust treatment of the poor, he turns his attention to those brothers who had been suffering at the hands of the rich men. His message is pretty simple – “Be patient!” This is always the message to Christians who have been treated unfairly. It is not our place to seek revenge, as it says in Romans 12:17-19:

Giving back to no one, evil for evil. Providing right things before all men. If possible, so far as is in you, being at peace with all men. Not avenging yourselves, beloved, but giving place to wrath, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay," says the Lord.

Christ Himself set the example for us to follow. Though He was innocent, he did not strike back when he was struck and he did not argue when he was falsely accused.

By way of encouragement, James cites an example of how patience pays off. He says, “See, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth …” and just as God provides water and growth for the plants he will help the oppressed through their trying times and will someday avenge Himself on the wrongdoers. If necessary, we need to be patient until the coming of The Lord.

James’ admonition to be long suffering until the coming of the Lord is a reminder to those who are being oppressed, that the Judgment Day is coming. The faithless rich who are behaving selfishly and oppressively toward the poor will one day stand before God to receive harsh judgment for their actions. The faithful poor, however, who are being unfairly treated by the rich will also stand before the Judge, but they will receive mercy instead of wrath.

Application

Just remember that God teaches each one of us patience by putting us in situations where we have to wait on Him. It cannot be learned any other way. So, if you are now in a situation where you have been praying and waiting, remember to praise God for it (not in spite of it, but because of it) since He is developing patience in you and making you more like Christ!

In God's service, for His glory,

James 5:6 – Murderous Condemnation

Posted on June 8, 2015 by Will

You condemned, you murdered the righteous; he does not resist you.

Truth to Learn

Wealth can blind a person to justice.

Behind the Words

The word “condemned” is translated from katadikadzō, which is a compound word made up of kata, meaning “down” and dikadzō, meaning “to pass judgment.” Hence, this word means “to pass judgment down against” or “to condemn.”

“Murdered” is from the Greek verb phoneuō, meaning “to kill a person unjustly” or “to murder.”

The expression “the righteous” is from the Greek, ton dikaion, which means “the just one” or “the righteous one.” There are some who suppose that this is a reference to the Christ who was killed without resistance even though he was righteous. The text here does not really lend itself to such an interpretation, however. A better interpretation is that it refers to the way these rich men have treated the workers under them who acted righteously in their behavior toward the rich land owners.

Meaning Explained

James now concludes his condemnation of the rich people of his day (and of our day as well). He has already declared that the wealth that they had amassed is already wasting away and will do them no good when they stand before the Judge of all mankind. Especially, since they have garnered that wealth by withholding a fair wage from those who earned it by righteously serving them.

By holding back the wages of their workers and not paying them what they were due, the rich have effectively killed them and certainly condemned them to a life of poverty. They have passed judgment against their workers, determining that they are not as worthy as rich men like themselves.

It appears that in James’ day the rich were in control of the courts as well. This was certainly true in Jewish life, where the rich Pharisees had control of both the civil and the religious judicial systems. When the rich band together, they become a very powerful body that can sway the thinking of even many formerly righteous people. It is clearly evident in our society today just as it was true in the first century. Against such power a poor man, even one of the highest integrity, is powerless. But God is not!

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the churches in Galatia, expressed a similar idea:

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man may sow, that he will also reap. For the one sowing to his own flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will reap everlasting life from the Spirit. (Galatians 6:7, 8)

Also, keep in mind what James said only a few verses back:

Therefore, to him knowing what good thing to do and not doing it, it is sin to him. (James 4:17)

Application

Let us consider that we ourselves are rich compared to many in the world today. We can use that wealth in a manner that will yield us a reward in the hereafter, or we can selfishly hoard it and defraud others so that we can get more “stuff,” which will be of no value whatsoever on the other side of the grave?

What are you doing with your riches?

In God's service, for His glory,

James 5:5 – Pleasure Without Peace

Posted on June 5, 2015 by Will

You have lived luxuriously on the earth in wanton self-indulgence; you have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter.

Truth to Learn

Luxury and pleasure cannot bring peace to our soul. Only God can do that.

Behind the Words

The word translated “wanton self-indulgence” is spatalatō, which means “to live for self-pleasure.” It comes from the noun spatalē, which refers to “self-indulgence in eating and drinking.”

The word translated “lived luxuriously” is the Greek word truphaō, which means “to live delicately or luxuriously.”

“Fattened” is from the Greek verb trephō, which properly means “to nourish or feed.” As used here it probably carries the idea of “pampering” or “fattening.”

The words “day of slaughter” are from the Greek hemera spagēs. Hemera means “day” and spagēs, which is based on sphadzō, refers to the slaughter of an animal for food or sacrifice. Some have interpreted this as these rich people fattening themselves up like animals that are being prepared for slaughter. Others, however, believe that this is a reference to the Day of Judgment, based on the context of this verse and the verses surrounding it.

Meaning Explained

It’s interesting that in every society where slavery has been condoned or where there has been a distinct division between the upper and lower classes, the slave owning class, or wealthy class, of people have been known for their wanton indulgence in physical and sensual gratification. Even in our American society today, though we condemn slavery and have only subtle class distinctions, we nonetheless are an exceedingly wealthy society compared to most nations on the earth. And the two things that seem to be distinguishing us from the rest of the world are our growing appetites for sexual pleasure and our fatness.

The whole Madison Avenue marketing spin on nearly every product we see advertised today is to stimulate or titillate our appetite for pleasures of all kinds.

As Christians, God never promised us pleasure or even a life of ease. Instead, He promised us that we will have tribulation in this world. And He also promised us that He would give us peace in the midst of it. In John 16:33 the Lord said,

These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but be encouraged; I have overcome the world.

And in Romans 5:3, the Apostle Paul said,

And not only so, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about patience.

Finally, in 1 Thessalonians 1:6, Paul said of the Thessalonian believers,

And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,

But in James’ day (and in our day as well) the rich had become so focused on indulging their appetites that they could not (and cannot) see the needs of those around them. How can we Christians live in comfort and ease, even in luxury, when there are so many in this world who still have not heard the gospel message?

Application

Let us guard ourselves, especially in these “last days” before the return of our Lord. Let us not get caught up in the self-indulgent, pleasure seeking, me, me, me society that is being foisted on us every day. Instead, let us seek out quiet time alone with our Lord, let us busy ourselves in His work and in His Word. In the midst of our tribulation, let the world see our peace, and let us proclaim with joy the glorious message that there is hope and that one can have peace in Christ and in Christ alone.

In God's service, for His glory,

James 5:4 – Fortune or Favor?

Posted on June 4, 2015 by Will

Look, the wages of the laborers who harvested your fields cry out, having been kept back by fraud; and the cries of the harvesters have entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth.

Truth to Learn

Fairness and honesty in business is far more important than wealth. We cannot serve both God and money.

Behind the Words

The Greek word translated “wages” is misthos, which refers to money paid (or promised) to someone for doing an agreed upon task.

Ergatēs is the Greek word translated “laborers.” It refers to anyone who does hard work or labor.

“Harvested” is from amaō, meaning “to collect, gather, reap, cut down, or harvest.” It is expressed as an aorist participle, indicating action that was previously done. It could be translated here as “having already harvested.”

The phrase translated “having been kept back by fraud” is translated from apostereō. This is made up or apo, meaning “from” or “away from” and stereō, meaning “to deprive” or “to withhold.” This word, therefore, refers to the intentional depriving someone of something that rightfully belongs to them.

The word “Sabaoth” is of Hebrew origin. It is tsebaoth, which means “armies.” Hence, we see that James is talking about the “Lord of Armies” or “Lord of Hosts” as God is sometimes called, since He commands the armies (or hosts) of heaven.

Meaning Explained

As we continue with James’ comments to the rich men who have been hoarding their wealth for prideful reasons, we see that they have been so obsessed with gaining wealth that they have obtained at least some of it by fraud. Apparently they had agreed with the laborers about a certain wage for their labor and then after the crop had been harvested, had withheld part or all of it. Even though the rich had more than enough, they were stealing from the poor who worked hard to earn what was promised to them and then kept back from them.

Another interpretation of this is that James is referring to slavery, a condition where the slave is to do the work which the master would otherwise be obliged to do so that the master is not under a necessity of laboring at all. The amount of pay which the slave receives is not even close to a fair wage for what he does, or what a freeman could be hired for. In fact, the slave’s pay is so much less than his labor is worth, that the master becomes richer while the slave becomes poorer.

In either case, James is saying that the rich man, who has far more than he needs, is getting richer at the expense of those who have less than they deserve. And, he says not only the laborers but the unfair wages themselves are crying out to God who here is called the Lord of Sabaoth. The implication is that the case has not merely been set before the Judge of the world, but the Master (Lord) of the conquering armies. Whereas a judge is more concerned about justice, the leader of a conquering army has no intent to be just. His objective is simply to conquer and destroy. This brings to mind what James told us previously:

For he shall have judgment without mercy, who has shown no mercy (James 2:13)

Finally, James is putting a big exclamation mark on the last verse of the previous chapter where he said:

Therefore to him that knows to do good, and does not do it, to him it is sin. (James 4:17)

Application

Our God provides each of us with possessions and abilities and, like the master in Matthew 25:14-30, expects us to use them for His glory, not for our own selfish and prideful gain. Only by using what God has given us for Him, in His way, will we receive praise from God.

Are you after money, or the approval of God? Do you want to hear “Ka-ching!” or “Well done, good and faithful servant!”? Now, that’s something to think about.

In God's service, for His glory,

James 5:3 – Your Treasury Focus

Posted on June 3, 2015 by Will

Your gold and silver are corroded, and their rust will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days.

Truth to Learn

What we view as treasure indicates where our heart’s desire is.

Behind the Words

“Corroded” is translated from the Greek verb katioō, which is made up of kata, meaning “down” and the verb form of ios, meaning “rust” or “corrosion.” Hence, it means “to rust down” or “to rust away completely.” This verb is expressed in the perfect tense; therefore, its meaning is, “Your gold and silver have rusted away and are now completely corroded.”

“Witness” is from marturion, which is the noun form of the verb martureō, meaning “to give testimony” or “to be a witness.”

The words “heaped up” are translated from thēsauridzō, which is the verb form of thēsauros, meaning “treasure” and from which we get our English word Thesaurus, meaning a treasury of words. The word thēsauridzō, therefore, refers to the stockpiling or treasuring up of goods simply for the pleasure of having it.

The Greek word translated “last” is eschatos, which is a superlative meaning “final” or “extreme last.” The study of prophesy of future things and the last days of mankind is known as eschatology.

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse James talked about the perishable items which rich people were storing up and how such hoarding is futile because these riches will rot and become moth eaten. Now he talks about two of the precious metals which are most often used for coinage. They are used for this purpose because, among other things, they resist corrosion. Gold, in its purest form in fact, does not corrode at all and silver only slightly.

Does God not understand chemistry? Is James mistaken? Since gold and silver don’t corrode, and even if they did they would not eat flesh like fire, this passage must be viewed metaphorically. James is saying that, in a spiritual sense, any gold and silver that is hoarded will waste away and produce a cancerous effect on those who rely on such “riches.”

And, based on the verses that will follow, it appears that James is alluding to the final judgment of mankind. At that Great White Throne, Jesus will condemn the rich people for the way they have obtained their wealth and for hoarding it to themselves rather than using it for the good of mankind and the furtherance of God’s kingdom.

Application

We can’t take our earthly wealth with us when we appear before our God, but we can lay up treasures in heaven by utilizing the wealth, talent, and time that God has given us on this earth for Godly purposes. What we do with our possessions is a direct indication of where our heart truly is. Christ Himself said it this way in Matthew 6:19-21:

Do not treasure up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust do corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But treasure up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not dig through and steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Where is your heart?

In God's service, for His glory,

James 5:2 – Perishable Possessions

Posted on June 2, 2015 by Will

Your riches are putrefied, and your garments are moth-eaten.

Truth to Learn

Earthly possessions are perishable and soon will all be gone.

Behind the Words

Ploutos is the word translated “riches.” This is from the same root word as plousios, which we saw in the previous verse. It refers to “wealth” or “fullness of money and/or possessions.”

The Greek word translated “putrefied” is sēpō, which means “to putrefy or spoil.” It is the source of our English word “sepsis” or “septic.” It is expressed here in the perfect tense, indicating something that occurred at a point in time in the past with an ongoing effect, but the emphasis is on the effect.

“Garments” is translated from himation, referring to all articles of clothing.

The verb “are” is translated from a form of ginomai, meaning “to become” or “to begin to be.” The verb is expressed in the perfect tense, indicating past completed action with an ongoing effect. In other words, “your clothes have been eaten by moths and, therefore, are now moth-eaten.”

Meaning Explained

In the first century AD, some of the most precious possessions included grain, oil, and other things that are perishable. The rich people to whom James is speaking had stockpiled these things for their own personal satisfaction, not because they had need of them, but simply because they wanted them. As a result, these things were not being used, but were wasting away. It reminds me of the Israelites when they were wandering through the wilderness during the exodus from Egypt. Each morning God provided them with manna, which they were to gather for themselves, but they were only to gather as much as they needed for a single day. If they tried to gather more and save it for the following day, it spoiled and became rotten.

James also says that the clothing of the rich, which they had stored up, was being wasted. Throughout most of the history of mankind, having extra clothing has been a luxury. But even clothes, James says, get moth eaten if we try to store them up.

In reality, all earthly riches are perishable since we won’t be able to take them with us when we appear before the great Judge at the end of our lives. None of us can take anything with us beyond the grave. Only what we do with the things that God has provided us will have any eternal value.

This is not to say that we should never save up for the future. There have been times when God’s people have stockpiled goods, such as Joseph storing up the grain of Egypt in preparation for the famine that was coming. That’s not what James is condemning. He is speaking against the amassing of treasure for the sake of pride and arrogance, or as an attempt to make one feel secure apart from God.

It is far better to use for His glory that which God has provided us, resulting in eternal rewards, than to hoard it to ourselves and receive no earthly or eternal benefit from it at all!

Application

How many coats do you own? How many pairs of shoes are in your closet? How much “stuff” do you own that you seldom, if ever, use? How much food do you consume on a daily basis? How many “toys” do you own? How much money is in your checking account or your retirement account? Is God being glorified by the way you use all that He has given you?

Are all these things really yours, or are they God’s? Ouch!

In God's service, for His glory,

James 5:1 – Sorrowful Riches

Posted on June 1, 2015 by Will

that it bursts forth in unashamed wailing and sobbing. This word is distinctly different from the Greek word dakruō, which means “to weep silently and shed tears,” Klaiō is expressed here in the imperative mood, indicating a command from James.

The word “howl” is translated from a form of ololudzō. This is an onomatopoetic word representing the shrieking or loud mournful wailing of someone crying out from the depths of sorrow. It is probably the source of the English word ululate, which is a long, wavering, high-pitched vocal sound resembling a howl with a trilling quality. Ololudzō is used here as a participle, so the opening of this verse could be translated as:

Come now rich ones, wail, crying out mournfully …

The Greek word translated “miseries” is talaiporia, which refers to “hardship and distress” or “calamity.”

The expression “coming upon you” is a translation of eperchomai, which is a compound word made up of epi, meaning “upon” or “over” and erchomai, meaning “to come” or “to go.” Thus, it is translated “coming upon.” It is expressed here as a participle, indicating that it is something which is currently in the process of happening.

Meaning Explained

We must be very careful that we don’t assume that James is condemning all who are rich in this verse. There is nothing inherently wrong with having earthly wealth. The real issues are how that wealth has been acquired and how it is used. We also have to recognize that wealth is relative. We who live in the United States of America with only modest possessions of a home, a car (or two), furniture, clothing, etc., are far more wealthy than many people in this world who have little more than the sparse clothing on their backs and a little food to eat.

One commonality among the wealthy is that they tend to place their security in such wealth. James will be showing the tenuousness of wealth and, in this verse, admonishes such people to weep and mourn because of the uncertain nature of such wealth. As we shall see from verses 4 and 5, these particular rich people have obtained their wealth by fraud and they have used that wealth selfishly.

James appears to be addressing the unsaved Jews of his day who have great possessions but are lacking eternal life through Jesus the Messiah. Notice that James has written this letter to: “the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad” (James 1:1), which includes all Jews. The scene portrayed in this and the following verses seems to be that of the Great White Throne Judgment, where riches will have no value at all.

Application

Lest you think that this verse does not apply to you, let me remind you that the amount of wealth and possessions that you have right now is more than many people have. Have you received your wealth by fraud and trickery, of did you come by it honestly? Have you thanked God for what you have? Are you using what you have to bring glory to Him?

In God's service, for His glory,