James 5:1-11

Retain the right attitude -- James 5:1-11 Wealth is not wrong within itself. The trouble with riches is in reference to wealth held without regard for the kingdom of God. The worldly rich that are described here are those who chose to just allow their belongings to be corrupted and spoiled, rather than to be put to some good use in the church. Man must learn that possessions are worthless without God.

The rust of their gold and silver witness against them that they have not been an honor to God. They will weep and howl as the judgment of God comes upon them for their self-hardened and rebellious life. Rich men have a tendency to say, eat, drink and be merry, yet God says, "weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you." It is difficult to possess riches without sin. It is so easy for riches to hindered a person's journey to heaven.

The words of James often echo the words of Jesus. "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal." (Matthew 6:19) The hoarding of wealth, while brethren are in need and good works are to be done brings a curse both upon the person and his goods. If my attitude is "me first" my life will be a wasted life.

It is a strange paradox that the miseries and dreadful judgments arise from the very things the rich man thought would make him happy. God charged these rich men with the terrible sin of covetousness, the sin of cheating their poor labors and the sin of living in pleasure while those about them were living in poverty. The cries of the poor, abused souls came into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth. Sabaoth is a military term meaning armies or hosts.

On Judgment Day, not only our actions, but also the circumstances of our actions, will be judged. An example of this truth is the poor widow who gave much because she gave all. (Mark 12:43) Her gift was small based on amount, but very large based on circumstance.

Christians can be happy in this life if they develop patience. We must wait for God's deliverance, just as we wait for the crops to grow. We must be strong in heart, knowing that in judgment God will take care of the wicked. A variety of miseries came upon the prophets and Job. Many of the things they suffered were very grievous troubles. Yet, under all these things they continued to bless God and serve Him faithfully.