James 1:10

The rich. That is, “the rich [brother],” in contrast with the poor “brother” of v. 9. James now encourages the wealthy Christian to rejoice in the particular trials that confront him. The Bible never implies that in and of itself the possession of wealth is a sin, or that a rich man cannot be a genuine follower of God (see on Matt. 19:23). There are many instances of good Christians’ being rich in worldly possessions, though not so many, to be sure, as of those who are poor in this world’s goods. However, the Scriptures do clearly point out that riches constitute a unique danger to a successful Christian experience (see on Matt. 6:19-21; Luke 12:13-22).

In that he is made low. Or, “in his humiliation.” Some commentators consider this phrase a strict parallel to “in his high estate” (v. 9). Thus, the poor man is to rejoice in his Christian privileges, both present and future, and the rich man is to rejoice in his Christian humility and the world’s reproach rather than in his material possessions. In other words, the rich man is to rejoice in the fact that though he is now despised as a member of a persecuted sect, he will one day be exalted as a member of the eternal kingdom of God. James is emphasizing in vs. 9 and 10 the fact that regardless of material circumstances the Christian brother, whether rich or poor, will find his most rewarding cause for rejoicing in the privileges of the Christian faith.

Others think that James is speaking of the usual loss of wealth that accompanied a rich man’s espousal of Christianity in the 1st century. The converted rich man found many opportunities for using his wealth. The plight of others in the church, who lost their employment because of their faith, gave him an opportunity to share his possessions. The missionary advance of the apostles, which was phenomenal even when compared with that of modern times, required financial support, and the rich church members rallied to this challenge. There were doubtless many who came boldly forward and used their wealth to benefit their brethren (cf. AA 105). Consequently, the rich Christian saw his material possessions dwindling. But he could rejoice in the privilege of giving of his means for the advancement of the cause of Christ even though it meant the loss of temporal security and a more humble standard of living. This sense of stewardship on the part of early Christians with respect to the funds entrusted to them by God is a worthy example for those in the church today who are blessed with material abundance.

Flower of the grass. James uses an OT illustration (see Isa. 40:6) to emphasize the transitory nature of human life. Compare Isa. 51:12, which declares that the “son of man” “shall be made as grass.”

He shall pass away. The rich man is reminded that he must eventually die. At that time all the material possessions he has labored so hard to amass will pass to another.

The rich Christian sees this situation in its proper perspective and rejoices in the opportunity to disburse his riches before he dies (see on v. 10), even though in so doing he may experience economic hardship and personal reproach.

Riches are attractive, but, like the flower, they are also fragile and transitory, and the man who trusts only in his riches will one day perish along with them, without securing the greatest of all riches, eternal life. Thus the brother who possess riches needs to reflect on passages of Scripture that warn against placing trust in riches, which may easily vanish (see on Matt. 6:19; Luke 12:16-21). The Christian must fix his eye of faith upon the wealth of Christian privileges in this life and upon the riches of eternity (see on Matt. 19:29).