James 1:10

King James Version (KJV)

But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.

Adam Clarke
Bible Commentary

But the rich, in that he is made low - Εν τῃ ταπεινωσει· In his humiliation - in his being brought to the foot of the cross to receive, as a poor and miserable sinner, redemption through the blood of the cross: and especially let him rejoice in this, because all outward glory is only as the flower of the field, and, like that, will wither and perish.

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Albert Barnes
Notes on the Whole Bible

But the rich, in that he is made low - That is, because his property is taken away, and he is made poor. Such a transition is often the source of the deepest sorrow; but the apostle says that even in that a Christian may find occasion for thanksgiving. The reasons for rejoicing in this manner, which the apostle seems to have had in view, were these:

(1)because it furnished a test of the reality of religion, by showing that it is adapted to sustain the soul in this great trial; that it can not only bear prosperity, but that it can bear the rapid transition from that state to one of poverty; and,

(2)because it would furnish to the mind an impressive and salutary illustration of the fact that all earthly glory is soon to fade away.

I may remark here, that the transition from affluence to poverty is often borne by Christians with the manifestation of a most lovely spirit, and with an entire freedom from murmuring and complaining. Indeed, there are more Christians who could safely bear a transition from affluence to poverty, from prosperity to adversity, than there are who could bear a sudden transition from poverty to affluence. Some of the loveliest exhibitions of piety which I have ever witnessed have been in such transitions; nor have I seen occasion anywhere to love religion more than in the ease, and grace, and cheerfulness, with which it has enabled those accustomed long to more elevated walks, to descend to the comparatively humble lot where God places them. New grace is imparted for this new form of trial, and new traits of Christian character are developed in these rapid transitions, as some of the most beautiful exhibitions of the laws of matter are brought out in the rapid transitions in the laboratory of the chemist.

Because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away - That is, since it is a fact that he will thus pass away, he should rejoice that he is reminded of it. He should, therefore, esteem it a favor that this lesson is brought impressively before his mind. To learn this effectually, though by the loss of property, is of more value to him than all his wealth would be if he were forgetful of it. The comparison of worldly splendor with the fading flower of the field, is one that is common in Scripture. It is probable that James had his eye on the passage in Isaiah 40:6-8. See the notes at that passage. Compare the notes at 1 Peter 1:24-25. See also Psalm 103:15; Matthew 6:28-30.

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Matthew Henry
Concise Bible Commentary

Christianity teaches men to be joyful under troubles: such exercises are sent from God's love; and trials in the way of duty will brighten our graces now, and our crown at last. Let us take care, in times of trial, that patience, and not passion, is set to work in us: whatever is said or done, let patience have the saying and doing of it. When the work of patience is complete, it will furnish all that is necessary for our Christian race and warfare. We should not pray so much for the removal of affliction, as for wisdom to make a right use of it. And who does not want wisdom to guide him under trials, both in regulating his own spirit, and in managing his affairs? Here is something in answer to every discouraging turn of the mind, when we go to God under a sense of our own weakness and folly. If, after all, any should say, This may be the case with some, but I fear I shall not succeed, the promise is, To any that asketh, it shall be given. A mind that has single and prevailing regard to its spiritual and eternal interest, and that keeps steady in its purposes for God, will grow wise by afflictions, will continue fervent in devotion, and rise above trials and oppositions. When our faith and spirits rise and fall with second causes, there will be unsteadiness in our words and actions. This may not always expose men to contempt in the world, but such ways cannot please God. No condition of life is such as to hinder rejoicing in God. Those of low degree may rejoice, if they are exalted to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom of God; and the rich may rejoice in humbling providences, that lead to a humble and lowly disposition of mind. Worldly wealth is a withering thing. Then, let him that is rich rejoice in the grace of God, which makes and keeps him humble; and in the trials and exercises which teach him to seek happiness in and from God, not from perishing enjoyments.

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SDA Bible Commentary (limited)
Volume 1-7

10. The rich. That is, “the rich [brother],” in contrast with the poor “brother” of v. 9. James now encourages the wealthy Christian to rejoice in the particular trials that confront him. The Bible never implies that in and of itself the possession of wealth is a sin, or that a rich man cannot be a genuine follower of God (see on Matt. 19:23). There are many instances of good Christians’ being rich in worldly possessions, though not so many, to be sure, as of those who are poor in this world’s goods. However, the Scriptures do clearly point out that riches constitute a unique danger to a successful Christian experience (see on Matt. 6:19-21; Luke 12:13-22).

In that he is made low. Or, “in his humiliation.” Some commentators consider this phrase a strict parallel to “in his high estate” (v. 9). Thus, the poor man is to rejoice in his Christian privileges, both present and future, and the rich man is to rejoice in his Christian humility and the world’s reproach rather than in his material possessions. In other words, the rich man is to rejoice in the fact that though he is now despised as a member of a persecuted sect, he will one day be exalted as a member of the eternal kingdom of God. James is emphasizing in vs. 9 and 10 the fact that regardless of material circumstances the Christian brother, whether rich or poor, will find his most rewarding cause for rejoicing in the privileges of the Christian faith.

Others think that James is speaking of the usual loss of wealth that accompanied a rich man’s espousal of Christianity in the 1st century. The converted rich man found many opportunities for using his wealth. The plight of others in the church, who lost their employment because of their faith, gave him an opportunity to share his possessions. The missionary advance of the apostles, which was phenomenal even when compared with that of modern times, required financial support, and the rich church members rallied to this challenge. There were doubtless many who came boldly forward and used their wealth to benefit their brethren (cf. AA 105). Consequently, the rich Christian saw his material possessions dwindling. But he could rejoice in the privilege of giving of his means for the advancement of the cause of Christ even though it meant the loss of temporal security and a more humble standard of living. This sense of stewardship on the part of early Christians with respect to the funds entrusted to them by God is a worthy example for those in the church today who are blessed with material abundance.

Flower of the grass. James uses an OT illustration (see Isa. 40:6) to emphasize the transitory nature of human life. Compare Isa. 51:12, which declares that the “son of man” “shall be made as grass.”

He shall pass away. The rich man is reminded that he must eventually die. At that time all the material possessions he has labored so hard to amass will pass to another. The rich Christian sees this situation in its proper perspective and rejoices in the opportunity to disburse his riches before he dies (see on v. 10), even though in so doing he may experience economic hardship and personal reproach.

Riches are attractive, but, like the flower, they are also fragile and transitory, and the man who trusts only in his riches will one day perish along with them, without securing the greatest of all riches, eternal life. Thus the brother who possess riches needs to reflect on passages of Scripture that warn against placing trust in riches, which may easily vanish (see on Matt. 6:19; Luke 12:16-21). The Christian must fix his eye of faith upon the wealth of Christian privileges in this life and upon the riches of eternity (see on Matt. 19:29).

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Ellen G. White
Education, 183

The prophets to whom these great scenes were revealed longed to understand their import. They “inquired and searched diligently: ... searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify.... Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you; ... which things the angels desire to look into.” 1 Peter 1:10-12. Ed 183.1

To us who are standing on the very verge of their fulfillment, of what deep moment, what living interest, are these delineations of the things to come—events for which, since our first parents turned their steps from Eden, God's children have watched and waited, longed and prayed! Ed 183.2

At this time, before the great final crisis, as before the world's first destruction, men are absorbed in the pleasures and the pursuits of sense. Engrossed with the seen and transitory, they have lost sight of the unseen and eternal. For the things that perish with the using, they are sacrificing imperishable riches. Their minds need to be uplifted, their views of life to be broadened. They need to be aroused from the lethargy of worldly dreaming. Ed 183.3

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Ellen G. White
Prophets and Kings, 548

From the rise and fall of nations as made plain in the books of Daniel and the Revelation, we need to learn how worthless is mere outward and worldly glory. Babylon, with all its power and magnificence, the like of which our world has never since beheld,—power and magnificence which to the people of that day seemed so stable and enduring,—how completely has it passed away! As “the flower of the grass,” it has perished. James 1:10. So perished the Medo-Persian kingdom, and the kingdoms of Grecia and Rome. And so perishes all that has not God for its foundation. Only that which is bound up with His purpose, and expresses His character, can endure. His principles are the only steadfast things our world knows. PK 548.1

A careful study of the working out of God's purpose in the history of nations and in the revelation of things to come, will help us to estimate at their true value things seen and things unseen, and to learn what is the true aim of life. Thus, viewing the things of time in the light of eternity, we may, like Daniel and his fellows, live for that which is true and noble and enduring. And learning in this life the principles of the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour, that blessed kingdom which is to endure for ever and ever, we may be prepared at His coming to enter with Him into its possession. PK 548.2

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