James 1:10

Letters to the Faithful - James 1:10

Berean Standard Bible

But the one who is rich should exult in his low position, because he will pass away like a flower of the field.

King James Bible

But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.

Greek Text:

ὁ δὲ πλούσιος ἐν τῇ ταπεινώσει αὐτοῦ, ὅτι ὡς ἄνθος χόρτου παρελεύσεται.

Transliteration:

ho de plousios en tē tapeinōsei autou, hoti hōs anthos chortou pareleusetai.

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But the one who is rich

This phrase addresses individuals who possess material wealth. In the biblical context, wealth is often seen as a potential hindrance to spiritual growth, as it can lead to self-reliance rather than dependence on God. Jesus' teachings in the Gospels, such as the parable of the rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16-22), highlight the spiritual dangers of wealth. The rich are called to recognize their spiritual poverty and need for God, as seen in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3).

should exult in his low position

This paradoxical statement emphasizes humility. The rich are encouraged to find joy in their humble status before God, recognizing that earthly wealth is temporary and does not equate to spiritual richness. This echoes the teachings of Jesus, who often reversed societal norms, such as in Luke 14:11, where He states that those who humble themselves will be exalted. The call to humility is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, urging believers to prioritize spiritual over material wealth.

because he will pass away like a flower of the field

This imagery draws from the Old Testament, particularly Isaiah 40:6-8, which compares human life to grass and flowers that wither and fade. It serves as a reminder of the transient nature of life and material possessions. The metaphor of the flower highlights the beauty and fragility of life, underscoring the importance of focusing on eternal rather than temporal matters. This theme is echoed in 1 Peter 1:24-25, reinforcing the idea that the word of the Lord endures forever, unlike earthly riches.

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Beloved of the Lord, heirs of grace and citizens of a kingdom not built by human hands, let us incline our hearts today to the searching Word of God. Let us allow the Spirit to instruct us through the inspired pen of James, servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. For the Word before us is not a gentle whisper, but a trumpet blast to every soul that would boast in earthly status, riches, or power. It is a holy interruption to the pride of life, and a divine reorientation for all who would set their hopes on the treasures of this passing world.

James, with apostolic clarity and pastoral urgency, speaks to a reality that many ignore and few understand: “Let the rich boast in his humiliation.” What strange language to the ears of a world that worships wealth! What paradox, that the man of means, the one adorned with gold and surrounded by comfort, should glory not in his abundance, but in his lowliness! Yet here is the wisdom from above, confounding the wisdom from below. Here is the gospel that levels all men before the cross, where the poor are lifted up and the rich are brought low—not to shame, but to salvation.

In this single verse, the Spirit strikes at the root of pride. For riches bring a temptation—not only to possess, but to presume. To presume that one is secure, that one is superior, that one is somehow insulated from the storms of life. But the Holy Scriptures say otherwise. Riches are fleeting. Wealth is uncertain. The flower of the grass may shine for a moment, catching the sun and turning the heads of all who pass by—but soon it withers, and its place remembers it no more. So it is with all earthly glory. Whether riches come through labor or inheritance, through strength or strategy, they are but mist and morning dew.

James does not condemn the rich merely for having wealth, but for the danger of forgetting their true condition. It is not the coin in the hand, but the pride in the heart that leads to destruction. Therefore, he calls the rich man to rejoice—not in his possessions, not in his prosperity, but in his humiliation—that is, in the humbling knowledge that before God, he is as needy as the beggar, as empty as the pauper, and as mortal as the lowliest man. This is the great equalizer of the gospel: that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; that all must be clothed not in gold or silk, but in the righteousness of Christ.

The world teaches that worth is measured by what we own, by the titles we carry, by the influence we wield. But heaven sees differently. The throne of God is not moved by earthly wealth. The angels are not impressed by status. The judgment seat will not weigh our bank accounts but our hearts. Therefore, blessed is the rich man who knows he is nothing without Christ. Blessed is he who holds his wealth loosely, who uses it for the kingdom, who considers himself a steward and not an owner. Blessed is he who walks in humility, who remembers that his breath is in God's hand, and who bows before the Lord with the same need as the widow and the orphan.

And to the poor among us, take heart—this verse is for your comfort as much as it is for the wealthy man's warning. For if the rich are brought low, then know that God exalts the humble. If the glory of the rich fades like grass, then the beauty of the meek endures forever. You may not have gold, but you have a crown waiting in heaven. You may not have land, but you have an inheritance incorruptible. Do not envy the rich, for their glory is short-lived. Do not despair in your poverty, for the King of kings was born in a manger and had no place to lay His head.

And to the Church, we must not treat the wealthy with partiality, nor the poor with disdain. We must not build altars to mammon within the house of God, nor flatter the influential while ignoring the forgotten. The ground is level at the foot of the cross. Let no man enter the assembly thinking he is more than what he is, and let no man leave thinking he is less than he is in Christ. Our boast must be in our Savior, not our salary; in our adoption, not our assets.

This is the call of James—to see with eternal eyes, to value what heaven values, to remember that we are all but dust apart from grace. Whether we possess much or little, we are passing through. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of our God endures forever. So let the rich man boast in this: that he is not defined by his wealth, but by his need for mercy; that he has found in Christ a treasure greater than gold, and a life that death itself cannot take away.

O Church, let us walk in humility, in generosity, and in the fear of the Lord. Let us store up treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not corrupt. Let us rejoice in our humiliation, knowing that we are made rich in Christ, who though He was rich, yet for our sakes became poor, that we through His poverty might become rich.

To Him be glory and honor and power forever and ever. Amen.

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O Most High God, eternal Father of lights, who gives every good and perfect gift, and in whom there is no shadow or turning, we come before You in the name of Jesus Christ, Your beloved Son, the radiance of Your glory and the exact imprint of Your nature. We bow low in Your presence, confessing that You alone are great and greatly to be praised. Yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever, and before You, every crown must be cast down, and every heart brought low in awe and reverence.

Lord, we lift our voices with gratitude for the wisdom given through Your servant James, who speaks with clarity and holy boldness, who warns the proud and comforts the lowly, who calls Your people to see as You see, and to boast not in what fades, but in what endures. Today, O God, we take heed to Your Word, which declares: “Let the rich boast in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away.” And we ask that You would give us eyes to see, hearts to receive, and wills to obey this truth.

We come before You, O Lord, confessing that we are so often deceived by appearances. The riches of this world dazzle the eyes and whisper lies to the soul. Wealth calls to us, promising comfort, security, influence, and joy—but it is fleeting, Lord, and You have said it plainly: it is like the flower of the field, beautiful for a moment, then withering, falling, and forgotten. O God, deliver us from the pride of life. Tear down every high thought that exalts itself against the knowledge of Christ. Let no man glory in his possessions, for what has he that he did not receive? Let no woman trust in her beauty or status, for all flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flower.

We pray for those who are rich in this present age. Lord, humble their hearts with Your mercy. Cause them not to trust in uncertain riches, but in You, the living God, who gives richly all things to enjoy. Let them boast—not in wealth, but in their need of You. Let their glory be that they were brought low and found grace. Let their treasure be in heaven, not stored in barns or banks, but laid up where moth and rust do not corrupt. Let them be generous, ready to share, eager to do good, that they might take hold of that which is truly life.

We pray for the poor, O Lord. Encourage their hearts. Remind them that their worth is not measured by silver or gold, but by the precious blood of Christ. Let them not envy the rich, but rejoice that they are rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom. Lift their heads, strengthen their hands, and clothe them with dignity. Let their boast be that the Lord of glory has made them sons and daughters, seated them with princes, and given them a name that will not fade.

We pray for the Church, O God. Let us not show favoritism, nor give special place to those who wear fine clothing. Let us not measure success by buildings or budgets, but by obedience to Your truth and love for Your name. Let our leaders be clothed in humility. Let our gatherings be marked by simplicity and sincerity. Let us be rich in good works, fervent in prayer, and overflowing in generosity. Let the world see in us a people who are not captivated by possessions, but possessed by Christ.

And we pray for ourselves, Lord. Teach us to number our days. Teach us to hold lightly what will pass away and to cling tightly to what is eternal. Let us not seek to build kingdoms on sand, but to build on the Rock. May our boast be not in wealth, or wisdom, or strength, but in this: that we know You, the Lord, who exercises steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. Let our joy be in our lowliness, for You oppose the proud but give grace to the humble.

O Father, we see the flower of the field—how it blooms in beauty and then withers in a moment. So, too, are our lives. We are here today and gone tomorrow. Let us live, then, with holy urgency. Let us give, serve, love, and worship with eternity in view. Let us die to self and be made alive to God. Let every earthly glory fade, and let Christ be magnified in us, whether by life or by death.

Now unto You who is able to keep us from stumbling, to present us blameless before the presence of Your glory with great joy—to the only wise God, be honor, dominion, and praise, through Jesus Christ our Lord, both now and forevermore.

Amen.