In the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, Agur the son of Jakeh said, “Give me neither poverty nor riches” (Pro. 30:8). The various sufferings that accompany the poor are obvious, but what’s the danger of being wealthy? It seems Agur understood man’s tendency to turn blessings into a curse. Too many have seen the generosity of God in their life but have attributed it to their own genius and strength. Forgetting their Creator, they choose to place their trust in what does not endure (Matt. 6:19-21). Furthermore, the unity of the Lord’s church is marred when more well-to-do believers see themselves as superior to Christians of more humble means. It is imperative that we hold a perspective of wealth which is informed by the doctrine of Christ. To that end, let us examine the wisdom of God presented in James 1:9-11.
The Lowly Lifted (Jas. 1:9). Christian men and women of more humble circumstances have much about which they should be grateful. They are able to rejoice that they have been delivered from the guilt of sin, to stand approved before God. Additionally, the lowly are elevated to the status of a member of the family of God, united with even the most affluent brothers and sisters of the faith. In the Christian fellowship, one’s financial status must not create a barrier. The sin of partiality is forbidden (this concept is discussed at length in the first half of James 2). Servants are on equal terms with their masters in the Lord’s church. In just this way the runaway slave, Onesimus, was elevated to become the “beloved brother” of Paul and Philemon (Phile. 1:15-16). In Christ, no social barrier divided them, even though the former working relationship still existed. As Paul wrote, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 3:28).
The Wealthy Weakened (Jas. 1:10a). The rich brother also has something to rejoice over: his “humiliation” (this word in verse 10 comes from the same Greek root as “lowly” in verse 9). For some Christians, especially in the first century, intense persecution resulted in a swift reversal of fortune. The rich Christian who retained his faith at the expense of his wealth had good reason to rejoice. For other Christians, the conflict would take place internally. We must correct our minds and hearts, learning that material goods are ultimately unworthy of our trust (1 Tim. 6:17-19). Whether through actual loss of property or by losing his old view of the property, the wealthy believer benefits by being made low. Only when we comprehend our true need, can we properly acknowledge what God offers us in truth. As the Lord said to Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9).
The Proper Perspective (Jas. 1:10b-11). In our text, James also emphasized how the power of material wealth is transitory, passing away like a withering flower. The comparison is a powerful one. As the sun overwhelms the fragile blossom’s beauty, so the test of time puts an end to the vanity of riches. The mention of the rich man failing in his pursuits would include all purposes or schemes that a man has which have the acquisition of money as their chief motive. The rich are not always wicked, as is demonstrated by the record of men like Abraham or Joseph of Arimathea. However, Christ warned against the dangers of accumulating wealth at the expense of one’s relationship with Him (Matt. 13:22; Luke 12:13-21). You can have both God and riches, but you cannot serve both God and riches (Matt. 6:24).
In conclusion, James 1:9-11 is a powerful passage that highlights for the Christian the contrast between true and false riches. All members of the Lord’s church, no matter our circumstances, must serve God humbly together. The poor ought to rejoice, not because poverty is a virtue, but because of their high standing within the family of God. The rich ought to rejoice, not because earthly wealth fades, but because spiritual wealth will never fade. As we seek to follow Jesus, we are called to reshape our values and priorities, trusting that the riches of God in Christ far outweigh all this world’s treasure.