James 1:11

For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.

For {G1063} the sun {G2246} is no sooner risen {G393} with {G4862} a burning heat {G2742}, but {G2532} it withereth {G3583} the grass {G5528}, and {G2532} the flower {G438} thereof {G846} falleth {G1601}, and {G2532} the grace {G2143} of the fashion {G4383} of it {G846} perisheth {G622}: so {G3779} also {G2532} shall {G3133} the rich man {G4145} fade away {G3133} in {G1722} his {G846} ways {G4197}.

For just as the sun rises with the sharav and dries up the plant, so that its flower falls off and its beauty is destroyed, so too the rich person going about his business will wither away.

For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its flower falls and its beauty is lost. So too, the rich man will fade away in the midst of his pursuits.

For the sun ariseth with the scorching wind, and withereth the grass; and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his goings.

Commentary

James 1:11 vividly illustrates the transient nature of earthly wealth and human glory through a powerful natural metaphor. Following the preceding verses that contrast the humble believer with the rich man, this verse emphasizes that just as a scorching sun quickly destroys the beauty of grass and flowers, so too will the rich man and his achievements fade away.

Context

This verse directly builds upon the themes introduced in James 1:9-10. There, James encourages the "brother of low degree" to rejoice in his exaltation (in Christ) and warns the "rich man" to humble himself, for he "shall pass away, even as the flower of the grass." Verse 11 expands on this warning, providing a stark image to underscore the certainty and swiftness of this fading. The audience, facing various trials, needed perspective on what truly endures, and James points them away from worldly status and possessions.

Key Themes

  • The Transience of Earthly Riches: The primary message is that material wealth and the prestige associated with it are temporary and ultimately worthless in the face of eternity. Just as the grass withers and the flower falls, so too does the rich man's life and endeavors perish.
  • Divine Perspective on Wealth: God's perspective elevates spiritual value over material possessions. The verse serves as a sober reminder that what society often values highly—riches, status, beauty—is fragile and subject to decay, urging believers to seek enduring treasures.
  • Humility: The passage implicitly calls for humility, especially among those blessed with earthly abundance. Recognizing the fleeting nature of wealth can foster a spirit of dependence on God rather than self-reliance or pride in one's possessions.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "burning heat" (Greek: kausōn) refers to the scorching east wind, often accompanied by intense heat, common in the Middle East. This wind rapidly dries up vegetation, making it an apt and powerful image for sudden destruction. The "grace of the fashion of it" speaks to the outward beauty, splendor, and attractive appearance of the flower. James highlights that not only the life but also the very aesthetic appeal of the flower perishes, paralleling the complete decay of the rich man's earthly glory and achievements.

Practical Application

For believers today, James 1:11 serves as a vital call to align our values with God's eternal perspective. It challenges us to reflect on where we place our trust and derive our identity. Instead of pursuing fleeting material wealth or temporary accolades, we are encouraged to invest in what truly lasts: our relationship with God, spiritual growth, and acts of service that build up God's kingdom. This verse reminds us, much like Jesus' teaching on laying up treasures in heaven, that true security and lasting joy are found not in earthly possessions, which can "fade away," but in our eternal inheritance through Christ.

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Cross-References

  • Isaiah 40:7 (8 votes)

    The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people [is] grass.

  • Isaiah 40:8 (8 votes)

    The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

  • Psalms 37:35 (6 votes)

    I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.

  • Psalms 37:36 (6 votes)

    Yet he passed away, and, lo, he [was] not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.

  • Mark 4:6 (4 votes)

    But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.

  • Luke 16:19 (4 votes)

    There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:

  • Luke 16:25 (4 votes)

    But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.