James 1:9-11

Rich & Poor

James teaches that Christianity shows everyone—both poor and rich—where their true worth and security come from. For those who are poor, it offers a new sense of value. In the early Church, there were no social classes: a slave could stand in front of his master and preach, demonstrating that everyone is important to God. Outside the Church, Christianity emphasizes that everyone has a purpose. Whether working in a busy market or lying in a hospital bed, everyone can make a difference, and their prayers matter. Most importantly, those who are poor realize they have value in God’s eyes. As scholar Muretus put it, “No one is worthless for whom Christ died.”

For the rich, Christianity encourages humility. Wealth can be misleading, making people feel secure, but James points out how quickly riches can disappear. He compares a life based on wealth to grass that grows quickly after rain but wilts in the heat—a reminder that trusting in riches is risky because they can go away in an instant. He refers to Isaiah’s words: “All people are grass... the grass withers, the flower fades.” Life is unpredictable, and relying on money is unwise because it can vanish just as fast as it arrived. True wisdom lies in putting our trust in God, not in material things.

James calls on everyone, rich or poor, to focus not on worldly possessions but on God, who offers what truly lasts. Only in Him can we find genuine value, purpose, and lasting security that withstands life’s uncertainties.