James 5:1-6

The Abusive Rich Will Be Judged

James had a message for the oppressive rich. He asked for their close attention, as in 4:13, by saying "Come now." This time he is speaking to the rich. His message seems to be directed to some rich outside the church, especially since verse 7 is directed to brethren. Of course, Christians must also beware of the dangers attached to riches throughout scripture (Isaiah 5:8; Proverbs 11:28; Amos 3:10; 1 Timothy 6:8-10; 1 Timothy 6:17-19). Vine says the word "weep" "is used of any loud expression of grief, especially in mourning for the dead." "Howl" describes crying aloud. It would appear the mourning enjoined is for their own loss (James 5:1).

The money and garments of those oppressive rich were going to waste. As shall be seen, this was from their being ill-gotten and hoarded up without any plan for their good use. That tarnished appearance would stand as a witness against the greed of those addressed and cause them to be condemned. James says they had actually stored up a large treasure to bringGod's full wrath down upon them in the last day (James 5:2-3). Paul gave a similar warning in Romans 2:5. "But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God."

The practice of refusing to pay the poor laborers even the meager wages they had been promised is condemned in the Old Testament (Leviticus 19:13; Jeremiah 22:13; Malachi 3:5). The wages held back and hoarded cried, like the blood of Abel, for judgment against those who withheld them. The cries of those cheated were also heard by the Lord of hosts (James 5:4).

This may be a reminder that God has the power to take vengeance in such cases and will use it. "Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,' says the Lord....Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:19-21).

The rich lived the high life and indulged themselves in fulfilling of all their wants. Their stuffing themselves with pleasure was much like a hog being fattened for slaughter (James 5:5). The Just, or Righteous, One James says they murdered is Christ (Acts 3:14; Acts 7:52; Acts 22:14; 1 John 2:1). It was these self-indulgent rich who crucified Jesus. Yet, our Lord submitted to them without resistance (James 5:6; Isaiah 53:7; 1 Peter 2:21-23).