Calendar

ENVY NOT
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14
James 5:1

1 Timothy 6:9-10

 

“But they that will be rich

fall into temptation and a snare…”

 

ENVY NOT
 
Read the words of the Psalmist in Psalm 49:16-20.
 
A command to weep: James refers to the wealthy in his days, and commands them to “weep” (James 5:1, Greek: klaioo) which means “to sob out loud” or “to lament.” It describes the wailing when someone dies (eg. Mark 5:38-39). It is an expression of a strong inner emotion. It is crying and the shedding of tears, emphasising the sound that accompanies the weeping. It also depicts the outward reaction that sometimes accompanies intense shame and guilt (eg. Matt 26:75).
 
In addition to “weeping,” they are also to “howl” (Greek: ololuzoo). This word appears only here in the New Testament. The term implies a more emphatic sorrow. This onomatopoetic word goes beyond mere lamenting. It refers to an intense outburst of despair and violent, uncontrollable grief. The Old Testament prophets frequently described such wailing over the effects of sin (eg. Isa 13:6).
 
A coming misery: James commands the wicked rich to weep and howl for sufferings will follow. The word for “miseries” refers to an emotional condition that arises from inner or outer torment. It is a hardship in life resulting in wretchedness. The word expresses idiomatically “to have nothing” or “to have even one’s shirt in rags.” Paul uses this word only twice. In Romans 3:16, Paul uses it to describe the life of an unrighteous man: “Destruction and misery are in their ways.” Though the miseries are in the future, there is an assurance that they will surely come.
 
James calls the rich people to reason and to weigh the matter thoroughly. Though living in affluence and luxury, they must consider how they will stand before God the Judge. Many of the rich in James’ time reject Christianity. They are hardened in their unbelief and even persecute those who believe in Christ. James commands them to seriously lament over their slothfulness in the things of God.
 
THOUGHT: Do I love the riches of this world and reject Christ?
PRAYER: Father, look into my heart, and remove the affections that I still have for material things.

Search