5 Questions to ask:

What is the text saying to the original audience?

What does the text say about humanity?

What does the text reveal about God?

How does this text point to Christ and the Gospel?

What is the text saying to me?

1 Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. 2 Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. 3 Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. 4 Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. 5 You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter.[a] 6 You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you.
James 5:1-6 NIV

Verse: “Come now, you rich, weep and wail for the misery that is coming upon you…” (v.1)

“The wages you failed to pay the workers… are crying out against you.” (v.4)

“The accumulation of wealth is never condemned in and of itself in Scripture, but it is always dangerous… and always to be shared generously.” - Craig Blomberg

“The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts.” (v.4)

Genesis 4:10 – "Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground."

Deuteronomy 24:14–15 – "Do not take advantage of a hired worker... Pay them their wages each day before sunset... or they may cry to the Lord against you, and you will be guilty of sin."
"I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt... I have heard them crying out... and I am concerned about their suffering."

"So I will come to put you on trial. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers, against those who defraud labourers of their wages..."


“James is channeling the voice of the prophets to warn those who hoard wealth, exploit labor, and ignore the cries of the poor. His words ring with urgent moral clarity for every age.” - NT Wright

“You have lived in luxury… you have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter.” (v.5)

“We cannot proclaim Christ crucified and remain silent about hunger, injustice, and oppression. Evangelism and social concern go hand in hand.” - John Stott