James 1:10

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

But {G1161} the rich {G4145}, in {G1722} that he {G846} is made low {G5014}: because {G3754} as {G5613} the flower {G438} of the grass {G5528} he shall pass away {G3928}.

But let the rich brother boast about his being humbled; since, like a wildflower, he will pass away.

But the one who is rich should exult in his low position, because he will pass away like a flower of the field.

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

Commentary

James 1:10 serves as a stark reminder to the wealthy concerning the transient nature of their earthly status and possessions. This verse follows the exhortation for the poor to rejoice in their spiritual exaltation (James 1:9), creating a powerful contrast.

Context

The Epistle of James addresses believers facing various trials and temptations, emphasizing practical faith that results in good works. In this section (James 1:9-11), James shifts from discussing the endurance of trials to contrasting the spiritual perspectives of the poor and the rich. While the "brother of low degree" is encouraged to find joy in their spiritual exaltation before God, the rich are called to acknowledge their inherent lowliness and mortality in the grand scheme of eternity, highlighting that their wealth offers no lasting security or status in God's eyes.

Key Themes

  • Humility and Mortality: The verse directly challenges the common human tendency to derive pride or security from wealth. It asserts that the rich person, despite their material abundance, is ultimately "made low" by the reality of their mortality. Their wealth cannot save them from death or secure their eternal standing.
  • Transience of Earthly Life and Riches: The vivid metaphor of "the flower of the grass" powerfully illustrates the fleeting nature of human life and all its temporary achievements, including wealth. Just as a beautiful flower quickly withers, so too will the rich person's life and influence fade away. This theme is echoed throughout Scripture, such as in Psalms 103:15-16 and Isaiah 40:6-8, which famously states, "All flesh is grass."
  • Divine Perspective: James encourages believers to adopt God's eternal perspective, where worldly distinctions like wealth and poverty hold little ultimate significance. True value is found not in what one possesses, but in one's spiritual state and relationship with God.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "made low" comes from the Greek word tapeinōsei (ταπεινώσει), which signifies humiliation, abasement, or being brought down. It emphasizes a state of humility or lowliness, often in contrast to pride or high status. The imagery of "the flower of the grass" (ἄνθος χόρτου - *anthos chortou*) is a common biblical idiom for extreme fragility and brevity of life, underscoring the universal truth of mortality for all, regardless of their earthly standing.

Practical Application

For believers today, James 1:10 serves as a crucial reminder to:

  • Guard Against Materialism: Do not place ultimate trust or security in wealth, as it is inherently temporary and cannot secure eternal life or true joy. The parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:16-21) vividly illustrates this danger.
  • Cultivate Humility: Regardless of one's financial status, recognize that all individuals are equal before God in their mortality and need for grace. The rich are called to humble themselves, understanding that their earthly possessions are fleeting.
  • Invest in Eternal Riches: Focus on spiritual growth, acts of charity, and building up God's kingdom, which are pursuits with eternal value, unlike perishable earthly treasures. As Jesus taught, it is wise to store up treasures in heaven, "where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt."
This verse calls all believers to a sober assessment of life's priorities, pointing away from the transient allure of worldly success and toward the enduring reality of God's eternal kingdom.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Peter 1:24 (16 votes)

    ¶ For all flesh [is] as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:

  • 1 John 2:17 (10 votes)

    And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

  • Job 14:2 (7 votes)

    He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.

  • 1 Timothy 6:17 (6 votes)

    Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

  • Matthew 5:3 (5 votes)

    Blessed [are] the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

  • Psalms 103:15 (4 votes)

    [As for] man, his days [are] as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:31 (4 votes)

    And they that use this world, as not abusing [it]: for the fashion of this world passeth away.