James 5:2

Riches. Perhaps a general term inclusive of the items that follow — garments, gold, and silver. However, if the word “corrupted” be understood literally, “riches” would refer to the produce of the fields and flocks, the grain, fruit, wine, oil, and other things, which were kept until they rotted or spoiled. The foolish rich man of Christ’s parable had most of his wealth in the products of the soil (see on Luke 12:16-20). These “riches” are worthless because they foster self-gratification and are acquired at the expense of the personal rights of others (see James 5:4). With all this earthly wealth, the unconverted rich man is “not rich toward God” (see on Luke 12:21).

Corrupted. Or, “rotted.”

Garments. Wealth measured by the accumulation of expensive clothing is more common in Biblical lands than in Western countries, because the fashions of the East do not frequently change. However, costly garments anywhere are tokens of wealth.

Motheaten. See on Matthew 6:19, 20.