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THE LORD KNOWS
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17
James 5:4

Deuteronomy 24:14-15

 

“Thou shalt not oppress

an hired servant…”

 

THE LORD KNOWS
 
James calls the attention of the rich to the plight of the labourers who toiled for them. The rich have kept back by fraud the wages due to their workers. No wonder the rich became so much richer! They have exploited their servants. They abused their power over the poor, getting them to work for less pay, delayed pay or no pay! But the Apostle affirms that the cries of the defrauded will surely reach the ears of the Omniscient God.
 
The cruelty of the rich: The wicked rich were guilty of sinfully hoarding their wealth, and had also sinfully acquired it. The “hire” (James 5:4) refers to the payment due to the labourer for the work they have done for the rich. However, the payment is far from generous. Read Deuteronomy 15:9-10 as it commands the rich not to be wicked to exploit the poor. Instead, the rich are commanded, “Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land” (Deut 15:11). James condemns the cruelty of the rich for avarice. They feel no pity towards the man whose sweat they have employed for their benefit.
 
The cries of the poor: The “cries” (James 5:4) indicate cruelty against the poor at the highest level. The labourers worked, yet they did not receive compensation. They supply the rich with bread through their labours; and they themselves suffer hunger. Yet, they could not raise their voice against the rich. But God knows, sees and hears their agony.
 
It is unimaginable that people can eat their sumptuous goodies because of the labourers’ work on the abundant harvest and yet can leave these same labourers hungry. This is an injustice not only in the eyes of man. Surely God will give due compensation for the way of the wicked. “As a cage is full of birds, so are their houses full of deceit: therefore they are become great, and waxen rich. Shall I not visit for these things? saith the LORD: shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?” (Jer 5:27, 29).
 
THOUGHT: Do I treat my employees fairly and honestly?
PRAYER: Father, hear the cries of the poor and let the works of the wicked rich not prosper.

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