James 1:9-11
A Flower in the Scorching Heat
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9The brother in humble circumstances should exult in his high position.
10But the one who is rich should exult in his low position, because he will pass away like a flower of the field.
11For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its flower falls and its beauty is lost. So too, the rich man will fade away in the midst of his pursuits.
Berean Standard Bible
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James tells the believer in humble circumstances to rejoice in a high position. Poverty does not determine this brother's standing before God. His place among God's people gives him an honor that wealth cannot supply.
The rich person, however, is to rejoice in a low position. Wealth can encourage a sense of importance and security, but the owner remains mortal. James compares him to a flower that fades under scorching heat. Its beauty does not protect it from withering.
The rich man fades in the midst of his pursuits. Business and possessions cannot keep life from ending. James does not describe exactly how or when the end comes; he exposes the weakness of wealth as a foundation for hope.
Both instructions challenge the way we measure people. The poor believer need not regard himself as insignificant, and the rich person must acknowledge his dependence on God. Receiving God's verdict about our position brings humility and freedom. Neither having little nor having much changes our need for Him.
How We Know
Isaiah 40:6–8 also compares human life and glory to grass and flowers that fade, while God's word remains. James uses the same kind of image to expose the rich person's mortality. The comparison supports the contrast with passing human security without specifying how a person's life will end.
Questions
1 What should the believer in humble circumstances rejoice in?
AnswerHe should rejoice in his high position. His standing among God's people is not measured by how much money he has.
2 Why should the rich person acknowledge a low position?
AnswerHe is mortal and dependent on God. His wealth cannot prevent him from fading like a flower under scorching heat.
3 What happens to the flower James describes?
AnswerThe heat withers the plant, the flower falls and its beauty disappears. James uses this to describe the passing rich person.
4 Can a busy life protect someone from death?
AnswerNo. James says the rich man fades amid his pursuits; possessions and activity cannot give him lasting security.
What This Means for Us
Notice whether money changes the respect you give yourself or someone else. A family's income is a circumstance, not a measure of its standing before God.
Receive what you have with gratitude and humility. Encourage a person who feels overlooked, and use available resources without treating them as a promise that life will remain secure.
Prayer
Father, keep us from measuring people by wealth. Encourage those with little, humble those with much and teach us all to depend on You. Let our confidence rest in what You give. Amen.