◄ What Does James 5:6 Mean? ►

There are many passages in the Bible that bewail the seeming prosperity of ungodly, rich tricksters while the people of God seem to be mercilessly exploited and defrauded by them, in every area of life. But James addresses the issue of social justice in this part of his epistle and he does not pull his punches as to his severe denunciation of their immoral ways.. while outlining the fatal, final outcome of their iniquitous lives.

James charges them with indulging themselves in hedonistic luxury and immoral practices while brutally exploiting their fellowman and oppressing those that are upright and good.. James accuses them of covetous selfishness and holds them responsible for failure to use their wealth for the benefit of society, as God intended.. and he accuses them of swindling those that are in need and of hoarding wealth for their own self-centered pleasure.

James warns that the gold, silver and riches.. that these greedy and unscrupulous men are accumulating and hoarding, will eventually be corroded and turned into dust. He denounces them for the unfair and dishonest treatment of their workers.. and of their failure to pay those in their employment the wages that are their due.

James condemns them for their lavish lifestyle and inordinate luxuries - their palatial mansions, excessive extravagances and evil scheming and he even accuses them in this verse of the pre-meditated, cold-blooded murder of innocent and righteous men and women. We read: they have condemned and put to death the righteous man; he does not resist you.

The final accusation against ungodly, rich tricksters and their nefarious acts is the unprecedented slaughter of innocent and righteous men, who are defenceless against their villainous deeds, their destructive plans and their deceptive practices. Not only are the lives of many 'snuffed out' in order to forward the wicked plans of these wealthy tyrants, but reputations have also been destroyed and the characters of good men have been devalued and disgraced by these ungodly people.

As the world in which we live continues to spiral out of control and as the evil exploits of rich, unscrupulous men and women appears to thunder on unabated.. we have an assurance that the Lord is not mocked by the wicked ways of evil men and at the appointed time He will bring them into confusion and confound their wicked and satanically inspired activities.

But the encouraging message that James has for the godly man and those who trust in the Lord is to patiently endure until the coming of the Lord. For the day is fast approaching when Jesus will come.. and it will be at the right time.. Just as the farmer has prepare, plant, till and wait patiently for his precious crop to grow so we are reminded to wait patiently and quietly for the coming of the Lord - as we carry out His purpose for our life. For the ways of the wicked will eventually be humiliated and those that love and trust in the Lord will never be put to shame.

Heavenly Father, at times it does appear that the ungodly are prospering in all they do.. but we praise and thank You that You have promised that those who love You will never be put to shame. Thank You that You are faithful, trustworthy, gracious and of great goodness. Help me to hold fast to the truth of Your Word and to look for the any day appearing of our great God and Saviour Jesu Christ.. Who will one day put all wrongs to right and the earth will be filled with the glory of God as the waters cover the sea. In Jesus name I pray, AMEN.