In a world where wealth often dictates power and influence, the book of James offers a timely warning about the dangers of riches and the importance of generosity. James 5:1-6 delivers a powerful message that challenges both the wealthy of ancient times and believers today.
What Does James Say About Wealth?
James begins with a stark warning to the rich: “Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you.” This isn’t just a gentle suggestion – it’s a prophetic call to repentance. James is speaking in the tradition of Old Testament prophets, calling out the wickedness of those who hoard wealth while others suffer.
The wealthy in James’s day were oppressing Christians. Many believers had been disowned by their families and fired from their jobs because of their faith. The oppression wasn’t necessarily coming from the government but from those who controlled all the resources.
Three Sins of the Wealthy That God Judges
James identifies three specific areas where the wealthy were sinning:
1. Uselessly Hoarding Resources
“Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver have corroded…”
The wealthy were guilty of hoarding things they didn’t need while others went without. They had so many garments that moths were eating them and precious metals that were corroding from disuse. This stands in stark contrast to most people of that time who owned only one or two garments.
God entrusts believers with material goods to use for His glory. While Christians should provide for their families, resources beyond that should advance God’s kingdom. Solomon reminds us: “One gives freely, yet grows all the richer. Another withholds what he should give and only suffers want.”
2. Unjustly Gaining Wealth
“Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you.”
Day laborers in Israel were supposed to be paid at the end of each workday so they could buy food for their families. The wealthy were illegally withholding these wages, causing suffering.
James uses a powerful phrase here – “Lord of Hosts” (or “Lord of Sabaoth” in some translations). This describes God as the commander of heaven’s armies who hears the cries of the defrauded poor and will bring judgment.
3. Self-Indulgent Spending
“You have lived on earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter.”
Having increased their wealth through hoarding and fraud, the wealthy then used it for selfish indulgence. The word “indulgence” here means over-the-top excess – not just more than necessary, but to the point of sickening.
Those who pursue pleasure and luxury often descend into vice trying to satisfy insatiable desires. A life without self-denial quickly spirals out of control.
How Should Christians View Wealth Differently?
James isn’t condemning wealth itself but the misuse of it. Christians are called to a different relationship with money:
- We should be people of integrity, never gaining wealth through dishonest means
- We should be generous, looking for opportunities to bless others
- We should avoid self-indulgence and excessive luxury
Jesus taught, “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you” (Luke 6:38).
Why Does God Care About How We Use Wealth?
God cares about how we use wealth because it reveals our hearts. Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Our attitude toward money and possessions shows what we truly value.
Most Americans make more in one day than people in some countries make in a year. As Christians blessed with resources, we have a responsibility to be generous.
Life Application
The message of James 5 challenges us to examine our relationship with money and possessions. Here are some questions to consider:
- Am I hoarding resources that could be used to bless others?
- Do I conduct my financial affairs with complete integrity?
- Am I living in self-indulgence while ignoring the needs around me?
- What opportunities to give and bless others might God be placing before me?
This week, challenge yourself to find at least one specific way to be generous. It might be supporting a ministry, helping someone in need, or giving of your time and talents. Remember that when we are faithful with our resources, God is faithful to provide for our needs.
As you consider your finances, commit to trusting God completely. When we are faithful in our giving and look for opportunities to bless others, God often responds with provision that exceeds our expectations. The measure we use to give will be the measure used to give back to us.
