Withheld and unjust pay - James 5:4
The withheld and unjust
pay of the laborers cries out against the rich, because it is a direct violation of God’s Law (Lev 19:13; Deut 24:14-15). Moses commanded those who hired laborers to pay wages on the same day that the work was done. Finding excuses not to pay them, keeping no written records which many workers could not read, day laborers had little recourse in the courts, which often sided with the rich, who could afford bribes. The
cries of the workers is reminiscent of Abel’s blood (Gen. 4:10) and the outcry of enslaved Israel (Ex. 2:23).
Fattened yourselves - James 5:5-6
Reminiscent of Jesus’ description of the rich man and Lazarus, James describes how the
luxury and indulgence of the rich has prepared them for judgment like a fattened calf for
slaughter. By failing to provide fair and timely wages the rich have
killed the poor.
Remain Steadfast Despite Suffering. - James 5:7-12
In this section, James narrows his focus again to encourage those who suffer unjustly to remain committed to the Lord. The wise community remains steadfast in faith, fervent in prayer, and perseveres in doing good (Rom. 12:12), assured that the Lord will vindicate them on the last day. See 135.
James assures those suffering of their vindication - James 5:7-8
As he had at the beginning of his letter, James turns his attention back to his
brothers and sisters, and their trials (see notes on 1:2-4, 12). Having confronted slanderers in 4:8-12 and those who oppress the poor in 5:1-6 in expectation of the Lord’s judgment, James assures those who suffer of their ultimate vindication. As a
farmer awaits the valuable harvest from the ground, Christians must patiently await Jesus’
coming (1 Thess. 5:2-4; 2 Pet. 3:1-10). Again, Jesus’ teaching lies in the background of James’ proverbial sayings (e. g. the Parables of the Persistent Widow in Lk 18:1-8; the Tenants in Matt 21:33-46; and the Ten Wedding Attendants in Matt 25:1-13) underscoring the need to wait faithfully for Jesus’ royal return (p).
The Judge is standing at the door! - James 5:9
Briefly recalling his admonishments about harmful speech (see notes on James 3:1-12 and 4:11-12), James warns his
brothers and sisters not to
complain or
grumble like the Exodus community did in the wilderness (cf. Numbers 11, 14) as they journeyed towards the land of promise. Reminding them, “
the Judge is standing at the door,” James draws on Jesus’ teaching that the final vindication of the righteous is certain and imminent (cf. Lk 18:1-8).
Persevere - James 5:10-11
James uses two Old Testament examples to encourage patience and discourage complaining. First, though
prophets preached the Lord’s word in obscurity, and were persecuted (Matt. 5:12; 23:34; Acts 7:52; Heb. 11:32–38), they did not complain, but trusted in the Lord. The righteous and wise man
Job was afflicted in ways that would make anyone wish for death (Job 1:21, 22; 2:10), but persevered in looking for vindication from God. A wise and faithful community will follow the same path, looking to their
compassionate and merciful Lord to set things right on the last day.
Oaths - James 5:12
Drawing yet again from Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount (see Matt. 5:33-37), James warns against swearing
oaths by heaven, God’s throne, or the earth, its footstool in order to avoid
condemnation. Oaths are not inherently sinful, because God binds himself to oaths (Acts 2:30; Heb. 3:11, 18; 4:3; 6:13, 16; 7:21; Rev. 10:6). But, oaths should not be frivolous and are less necessary in communities where a person’s
yes means yes and no means no. See
WCF 21.5, 22.2; a 99, 102.
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