“Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: but the rich, in that he is made low, because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. For the sun is no sooner risen with burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.” (James 1:9-11)
BUT WHEN YOU PRAY….
We pointed out earlier that this paragraph as well as the previous one begins, in the ASV, with the word “but.” “But let the brother of low degree glory in his high estate: etc…” This is the better translation for it clearly shows the connection with what has gone before.
DON’T FEEL INFERIOR IF YOU’RE POOR
In our approach to God in prayer we are taught here that we must realize that no matter what our social status might be, it can of itself neither hinder nor impress God. The brother of low degree, of poverty because of adverse environment, or other unfortunate circumstances is admonished to rejoice and glory in the fact that none of these things need stand in the way of receiving God’s best. He must not feel inferior because of his circumstances but rather be conscious of the fact that God is no respecter of persons. Let him glory in his high estate for though he be poor he has become rich.
OR SUPERIOR IF YOUR RICH
To the rich it is spoken that he should rejoice in that he has been made low. The splendor of his riches will pass as does the beauty of the flowers. It is what he is aside from his riches that really counts.
THE PROPER ATTITUDE
The proper attitude of both the rich and the poor is revealed here. If properly received, it will serve in an equalizing action to bring both together in common respect and love. For behold, they are brothers in Christ. In both cases the material circumstances should nether hinder or impress. The one who felt low because of his material circumstances now recognizes his elevated position in Christ. And the one who felt elevated because of his material circumstances recognizes that God is not moved by all these things, but rather by the condition of their heart. Both can rejoice that they have come to see things as they truly are, as God sees them.
SO OUR PRAYERS BE NOT HINDERED
We stated that we believe there is a connection in this paragraph with the preceding one. A man cannot approach God and pray in faith unless he has a proper attitude concerning himself. Otherwise his faith will waver as either suggestions or accusations are hurled as him by Satan, who is the accuser of the brethren. To one he would suggest inferiority, to the other superiority. Both in listening to Satan’s lies would receive nothing from the Lord. But let them both ask of God in faith, nothing wavering, nothing doubting.
BOTH REJOICE TOGETHER
The brother of low degree will be rejoicing in his high privilege, knowing that his poverty does not make him an inferior child of God. The rich brother will be rejoicing in that he has found that understanding of true humility, for he has learned that his riches do not make him a superior child. Such things cannot impress God. Both can learn that faith works in the realm of the unseen. “for the things which are seen (whether poverty or riches) are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2Cor. 4.18) Hallelujah!