After James had just addressed those who had been leaving God out of their daily lives (4:13-17), he turned his focus onto the rich. Now, no where in the Bible do you find rich people being condemned for having money, but most of the time they are rebuked for their obsession with money and their unnatural pursuit of it above all else. These verses seem to indicate that James was specifically targeting the rich who were professing faith in Christ, but ultimately worshipped their money and possessions. He writes in verses 3-5, “You have heaped up treasure in the last days. Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out…you have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury…you have murdered the just….” There is a progression here which James makes very apparent. Riches can bring misery (5:1) and are subject to loss (5:2-3). They can also cause a person to become stingy (5:3-4) and pamper themselves with a life of luxury (5:5) while many of their employees are being deprived of their fair wages. Lastly, James mentions that the pursuit of riches has caused the rich to take whatever measures necessary to sustain their lifestyle (5:6). So what warning is James giving to those who have misused their riches? He reminds them that God hears the cry of the oppressed implying that God will bring judgement upon those who mishandle their riches (5:4b). There is a two-fold application to this writing. First, if you are rich you should remember that God has entrusted you with those riches and you must not misuse your money. Secondly, if you are working for someone who is rich, but they are withholding what you deserve, allow the Lord to handle the wrongdoing. May all of us learn to handle our money with care and treat those who may be under our care with fairness and respect.
Dear God, teach us to be fair and graciousness when it comes to money. Remind us to keep You first in our hearts so that we will use what You have given us in the right way.
