James 1:9-10

Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:

But "let the brother," etc - i:e., the best remedy against double-mindedness is that Christian simplicity of spirit whereby the "brother," low in outward circumstances, may "rejoice (answering to ) in that he is exalted" - namely, by being accounted a son and heir of God, his very suffering's being a pledge of his coming crown (); and the rich may rejoice "in that he is made low," by being stripped of his goods for Christ's sake (Menochius); or, in that he is made, by sanctified trials, lowly in spirit (Gomarus). The design is to reduce all things to an equable footing (; ). The "low," rather than the "rich," is termed "the brother" (Bengel). So far as one is merely "rich" in worldly goods, "he shall pass away;" in so far as his predominant character is that of a "brother," he "abideth forever" (). This view meets all Alford's objections to regarding "the rich" here as a "brother." at all.