James switches from addressing the forgetful wealthy Christian merchant in chapter 4 to attacking the rich, non-Christian landowner – the agricultural baron – in chapter 5. James writes like a prophet, borrowing a phrase rooted in the Old Testament to describe their physical reaction to the declaration of judgment: they are to "weep and howl."
Why are they howling? Because of the miseries that are coming upon them. Unexpectedly, the riches that they have trusted in for their health and happiness are really the source of their misery. James declares that the source of their riches (agriculture) is rotting; their garments , an ostentatious display of their wealth, are moth-eaten; and, even their money is cankered, or rusting.
Ironically, the rich – who James has warned his readers are those who drag them into court – are now themselves subject to prosecution. These same miseries will stand up as witnesses against them before the Judge of all the earth.
But what exactly have they done? Why is James delivering such vociferous denunciations against them? He starts by declaring that they have "heaped treasure together;" they are hoarding their wealth. The rich are facing judgment because they have taken what God has given them and used it only for themselves, without a single thought about the purpose of their wealth: to provide for their families, help others and extend the kingdom of God.
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Kurt Snow serves as a ruling elder at Covenant Reformed Church of Sacramento (RCUS). He served as a member of the Board of Governors of City Seminary of Sacramento from 2000 to 2020.
