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...
James 5:7 – Patient Suffering
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...
James 5:6 – Murderous Condemnation
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,...
James 5:5 – Pleasure Without Peace
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...
James 5:4 – Fortune or Favor?
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...
James 5:3 – Your Treasury Focus
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”...
James 5:2 – Perishable Possessions
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...
James 5:1 – Sorrowful Riches
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....
James 4:17 – No More Excuses
Therefore, to him knowing what good thing to do and not doing it, it is sin to him. Truth to Learn Now that we know how to behave, we have no excuse if we do not completely follow James’ teaching. Behind the Words The word translated “knowing” is a form...
James 4:16 – Stealing Credit from God
But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. Truth to Learn Claiming credit for your own success is vicious thievery. Behind the Words The words “boast” and “boasting” are both translated from forms of kauchaomai, which means “to glory” or “to celebrate.” It implies making great,...