James 1:11

James 1:11. For the sun is no sooner risen. In the original the words are in the lively style of a narrative: ‘For the sun arose.'

with a burning heat. The word here rendered ‘burning heat' is often used in the Septuagint to denote the hot east wind: and hence many suppose that the simoom or the sirocco is meant, which, blowing from the hot sands of Arabia, burns up all vegetation. But it is better to refer it to the heat of the sun, which in Palestine is very scorching: hence, ‘for the sun arose with its heat.'

but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: or rather, ‘and it withered the grass, and the flower thereof fell, and the loveliness of its form perished: ‘it converted the rich and luxuriant field into an arid waste.

so also shall the rich man: not the rich brother, that is the Christian, but the rich man generally: St. James is here speaking of the transient nature of the earthly riches. He who trusts in earthly riches shall fade away like the flower of the field.

fade away in his ways: in his goings, when actively engaged in his worldly pursuits or pleasures. Death snatches us away from the objects of worldly ambition.