The final chapter of James opens with a strong warning directed to the rich. The problem is not merely having wealth, but rather covetousness. This is the greedy, self-indulgent attitude that is never satisfied. It misuses riches while mistreating others. Hard work and honest success notwithstanding, James exposes the sort of heart that loves money more than God, and possessions more than people. This section of scripture offers a powerful reminder, we must not envy the rich or long for their lifestyle. We must not hoard wealth for selfish ends, and we must never allow the desire for accumulating more to push us into sin. “Take heed and beware of covetousness,” Jesus warned, “for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses” (Luke 12:15). Let’s explore James 5:1–6 and what God says regarding covetousness.
Disappointing Riches (Jas. 5:1-3)
James, by inspiration, delivers a graphic image. He calls upon the rich to howl (shriek, utter cries of distress) because misery is coming for them. Their future is not secured. Like the rich fool, their souls will be required of them (Luke 12:20). We live in a world where wealth is often envied, celebrated, or even idolized. But James pulls back the curtain to reveal the truth. Covetousness always leads to misery, not joy. The love of money deceives people into thinking they are secure—when in truth, they are standing on a trapdoor and have “pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (cf. 1 Tim. 6:9–10).
The wealth the rich so readily trust in is perishing. Their food spoils, their clothes rot, and even their gold tarnishes. Even more striking, James says that the corrosion (rust) of these material riches “will be a witness against [them] and will eat [their] flesh like fire” (Jas. 5:3). This is the language of the Lord’s judgment. Not only will their wealth fade, but it will also testify against them at the last day. While judgment was near and people around them were in need, they shut up their bowels of compassion and heaped up for themselves treasures on earth (Matt. 6:19-20; 1 John 3:17). Their priorities were completely out of step with the character of Jesus and with the purpose of His eternal kingdom. The foolish rich live like this life is all there is. This is the danger of covetousness. It tempts us to focus on what disappoints and forget the things that matter most.
Decaying Relationships (Jas. 5:4-5)
Next, James points out how covetousness creates divides among mankind. The rich withheld fair pay from workers. The laborers had done their job but were cheated out of the compensation which was rightfully theirs. God, who sees all and knows the hearts of men, cannot help but take notice of this injustice. James said, “the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth” (Jas. 5:4). That name—Lord of Hosts—stresses God’s power and justice. He sees the wrongdoing, and He hears the cries of the oppressed. As the people of God in the Old Testament learned, “you have sinned against the LORD; and be sure your sin will find you out” (Num. 32:23). The way of business for the Christian is different. Be honest in your dealings. Pay what you owe. Value people more than profit.
The text paints a picture of the foolish rich, a people living in pleasure and self-indulgence. In today’s world we may think of the luxurious lifestyle of a “fat cat.” To be clear, the problem is not comfort or enjoyment in itself, we want to be able to give our families a good and secure life. What’s at issue is that their life was defined by those things. They were haughty and were not “ready to give, willing to share” (1 Tim. 6:17-18). They lived for themselves and indulged every appetite. This should give us pause. Are we building our lives around comfort, ease, and pleasure, without thinking of others? If so, we are falling into the same trap. Covetousness is not always about greed for more—it can also be the unwillingness to deny ourselves or to share with our fellow man. As the writer of Hebrews put it, “do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased” (Heb. 13:16).
Damaging Results (Jas. 5:6)
This final verse sums up the ultimate end of unchecked covetousness: it led them to oppress and destroy even the innocent. It’s not hard to imagine a wicked man using his wealth to “buy off” judges and to ensure every legal decision goes his way. There is disagreement about how best to understand the phrase “murdered the just” here. Some take it as a reference to Christians suffering at the hands of the rich. Others take this as a reference to the Lord Himself. Jesus is often referred to as the Just One (Acts 3:14; 7:52; 22:14). In either case, the righteous did not fight back, though they were mistreated, condemned, and even killed. This is what the sin of covetousness produces—a heart that desires more at any cost and will ultimately hurt anyone who stands in the way, even the sinless Son of God.
Covetousness is far more than a desire for the finer things. It is a destructive mindset that corrodes our faith, our relationships, and even our soul’s standing before God. Instead of envying the rich or longing for worldly success, let us guard our hearts against greed and learn contentment in Christ. Do we use our resources to bless others or only to please ourselves? One day, all riches will fade, save those that are found in Christ. Let us heed James’ warning, avoid the snares of covetousness, and live with our eyes fixed on “the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him” (Jas. 1:12).