June 22 – James 4:13-5:6

Main Focus: Sins of the Wealthy

At the outset of this section James addresses merchants, showing that the sovereignty of God precludes presumption and arrogance in making one’s plans. At the heart of a good business plan is the temptation for boasting. These business people think they control events but fail to recognize God’s providential control and the temporary nature of life, which is like a mist that can fade away at any moment. Planning and investing are not wrong, but arrogant self-confidence and boasting are.

The key to understanding vv.13-17 is if the Lord wills, with “Lord” referring to God as the Creator who sustains the universe and whose will controls all that happens. Every business decision must be based on submission to God’s will. Verse 17 describes what are commonly called “sins of omission.” It is not only what people do that matters; the good that they fail to do is equally important to God.

James 5:1-6 turns our attention from businesspeople to wealthy landowners who controlled much of Galilee, and indeed much of the Roman Empire. He denounces them for their materialistic accumulation of wealth, for defrauding their workers, and for their self-indulgent actions that have led to the deaths of innocent, righteous people. Weep and wail is prophetic language for those under indictment by God when the day of the Lord arrives. Riches, garments, and gold sum up the materialistic lifestyle of these landowners. These things will not only be lost forever but will be evidence at their final trial before God. These landowners have cheated their field workers and harvesters to support their own lavish lifestyle, and now the cries of the defrauded have reached the ears of the final Judge, who will soon act in response. The Lord of hosts, or “Lord of heaven’s armies,” pictures God as a warrior going into battle against his enemies.