James 5:1-6

Be Rich in Good Deeds

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 1 Timothy 6:17-18

Have you read about some companies that make huge profits, then use the extra money to add to the wealth of the owners rather than improve the work conditions of their employees? Does it seem unfair?

James warned rich people who were hoarding: “Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days.” (James 5:1-3)

James said they’d have to give an account to God. And sooner than they expected. “Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty” (5:4).  This name for God—“Lord of Sabaoth” in Greek and “Lord of Heaven’s Armies” in Hebrew—indicated that God protected and avenged his defenseless, oppressed people.[1]

The rich people James condemned not only failed to pay their workers even though they had the ability to do it, but also persecuted and presumably, for their own purposes, condemned innocent people to death (5:5-6).

Wealth is not evil in itself. It becomes evil when we make it a god and live for it in excessive ways. It’s bad when we only use it only for ourselves and not to help others. God gives us our worldly possessions that we may honor him and do good with them. Few of us have great wealth, but we often put a large portion of our finances into our houses, our cars, and having the latest fashions. Perhaps we’ve said, “I have plenty laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry” (Luke 12:19).

But our clothing soon goes out of style or no longer fits. The money we invested in the Stock Market may lose its value. An over indulgent lifestyle can destroy our bodies. Do we plan wisely for our later years when we can’t work? Does our budget include giving to help those in need?

When you receive blessings from God of money, talent, or time, use them to bless others.

DIG DEEPER:

Read James 5:1-6. If this Scripture passage seems harsh, compare it with Jesus’s parable of the talents (money or abilities) in Matthew 25:14-46. What was the punishment for the one who hid his talent and didn’t use it for others?

According to 2 Corinthians 9:6-11, how does God feel about giving?

Read about two examples of wealthy, powerful men who didn’t hoard their possessions but gave costly gifts in John 19:38-42.

Nancy J. Baker

This devotion is a part of a series on The Book of James.