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The brother in lowly circumstances[a] should take pride in his high standing,(A) 10 and the rich one in his lowliness, for he will pass away “like the flower of the field.”(B) 11 For the sun comes up with its scorching heat and dries up the grass, its flower droops, and the beauty of its appearance vanishes. So will the rich person fade away in the midst of his pursuits.

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Footnotes

  1. 1:9–11 Throughout his letter (see Jas 2:5; 4:10, 13–16; 5:1–6), the author reaffirms the teaching of Jesus that worldly prosperity is not necessarily a sign of God’s favor but can even be a hindrance to proper humility before God (cf. Lk 6:20–25; 12:16–21; 16:19–31).

Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position.(A) 10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower.(B) 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat(C) and withers(D) the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed.(E) In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.

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