James is a manual for Christian living – a so-called “How To” to spiritual success. At times referred to as the “Proverbs of the New Testament,” James provides a very practical approach to living a life in accordance to God’s Word. The departing chapter of this book leaves the prepares the audience with the expectation God has for His people when He eventually returns. James closes with an word of warning and exhortation, culminating in the love the brethren should have for one another. We’ll use Warren Wiersbe’s categorization of this chapter as basis of this study; Priorities, Patience, Prayer, and Personal Concern.1
Priorities (James 5:1-6). James starts this chapter with a scathing chide of the rich, “Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you” (James 5:1). It is important to understand for what James ridicules the wealthy. He is not scorning the rich for having wealth – it is not a sin to be wealthy. The Old Testament gives many examples of men who were favorable in the eyes of God but were affluent; Job (Job 1, 42), Abraham (Genesis 24:35), and David (1 Chronicles 22:14; 29:28-30) for example. The Holy Spirit inspired scorn comes from the prioritization of riches over spiritual integrity. Paul warned Timothy, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs” (1 Timothy 6:10). It was this lust of wealth that led the object of James’s derision to commit fraud (James 1:4), self-indulge (James 1:5), and murder (James 1:6).
Jesus warned against the fleeting security of riches in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:19-21). Joshua described earthly riches interestingly when addressing Israel, saying, “But you, keep yourselves from the things devoted to destruction, lest when you have devoted them you take any of the devoted things and make the camp of Israel a thing for destruction and bring trouble upon it” (Joshua 6:18, emphasis added). Peter warned that the post-flood world that exists today (and the riches contained therein) “are stored up for fire” (2 Peter 3:7). Our existence transcends the longevity of our earthly possessions; thus, our spiritual preservation should take the higher priority.
Patience (James 5:7-12). James shifts his focus from the rich oppressor to the “righteous person” that is the source of the rich man’s condemnation (James 1:6) to comfort and encourage him to endure. Two benefits of patience stand out in the inspired writer’s address. First, if one sows “the right seed, [he] will eventually reap a harvest of blessing.”2 Paul gives the inverse of James exhortation, “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap” (Galatians 6:7). Our word should stand fast, regardless of the circumstance (James 5:12). The Christian is to keep his integrity, despite persecution – a genuine mark of patience. Second, the Judge will administer righteous judgment (James 5:9). It is ours to wait patiently for the Lord to act in His own time. Paul commands, “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord’” (Romans 12:19). Concerning this thought, there are two groups from whom we can take note and use as examples. First, mentioned by James, are the prophets – whose message was determined by God and who often patiently endured persecution at the hands of their audience for delivering that message (Matthew 5:11 12; Hebrews 11:36-37). However, their longsuffering earned them the precious epithet, “[those] of whom the world was not worthy” (Hebrews 11:38). Second, the angels withhold rebuke, since it is the sovereign God’s responsibility (2 Peter 2:11; Jude 9). We do well to wait patiently for the will of God to come to fruition, as a farmer “waits for the precious fruit of the earth” (James 5:7).
Prayer (James 5:13-18). Prayer, arguably the most underutilized tool in the Christian’s arsenal. One cannot help but contemplate on the words of Joseph Scriven, O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer!”3 Prayer is mentioned seven times in these six verses, and James encourages his audience to utilize prayer in physical and spiritual matters. “There is no need that prayer cannot meet and no problem that prayer cannot solve.”4 It is natural to segue into prayer after encouraging the saints to be patient. Paul advises one to be “constant in prayer” (Romans 12:12) and to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Prayer should be the habit of all God’s people – and each one should strive to be more consistent and fervent in prayer. As one preacher so aptly asked, “Is prayer your steering wheel, or your spare tire?” Prayer not only benefits the Christian, but it benefits those who are associated with the Christian. It is worth noting that the purpose of confessing our sins to our brethren is so that they can pray, not become the subject of gossip or judgement. The former act unites the body of Christ, while the latter divides. James alludes to the healing capability of prayer, and that it bestows upon ordinary men, like Elijah and Christians today like (James 5:17-18), a great power that can accomplish many things!
Personal Concern (James 5:19-20). Satan’s temptations do not cease to exist when one becomes a Christian; in fact, one could reasonably argue the opposite. Job, a man found blameless (Job 1:1) became the object of Satan’s derision because of his commitment to God (Job 1:9-11; 2:4-5). Understanding this, one understands that a Christian can backslide, return to the ways of sin, and be lost after he was once saved (Proverbs 26:11; 2 Peter 2:2); thus, James encourages his brethren to care for one another and take interest in the spiritual wellbeing of fellow Christians. Intriguingly, the phrase used to close this chapter, “will cover a multitude of sins” (James 5:20) is found one other timein the New Testament. Peter remarks, “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8, emphasis added). One can legitimately sum up the thought of caring for the soul of the brethren to the point of diligently watching and working to bring them back or keep them in the fold with a single word – love. Conclusion. Prioritize, Persevere, Pray, and Personally invest in the lives of the church. James 5 superbly closes a very practical book, and leaves with advice that will strengthen the Lord’s body. May we all heed the words of James.
1 Wiersbe, With the Word Bible Commentary (Nashville; Thomas Nelson, 1991)
2 Ibid.
3 Joseph Medlicott Scriven, What a Friend We Have in Jesus, 1855.