◄ 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 final, fatal 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-centred 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. He even accuses them in this verse of the pre-meditated, cold-blooded murder of innocent and righteous men and women: "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 to 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 while righteous people are living lives of poverty, poor health, and ridicule. Help me to remember that You see everything and, in the end, all will be made right by You. In the meantime, help me not to focus on the perceived riches or happiness of ungodly people but to pray for them and to tell them of the greatest gift in this world and eternity, salvation through faith in Jesus. In Jesus' name, AMEN.