Overview:
James 5:1–6
It is reported that F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway once engaged in the following interchange:
Fitzgerald: “You know, Ernest, the rich are different from us.”
Hemingway: “Yes, I know. They have more money than we do.”
It is debatable that this conversation actually occurred, but the humor based on the obvious fact brings a smile to our lips. The more notable significance in the interchange is the part that is left unanswered, namely, how are the rich different—or are they? Secrecy shrouds the inner life of the wealthy. Gossip, legend, and imagination surround the subject, so it’s next to impossible to uncover the truth. The rich are notoriously private people.
In this message, we shall hear what God says about and to a certain percentage of the wealthy—at least, the wealthy of the first century. Then we’ll consider how it relates to the wealthy of today. The basis of our thoughts is found in James 5:1–6.
Message Summary:
Message Key Facts:
- The Four Financial Principles: Swindoll cites his friend Ron Blue to establish a biblical foundation for money: 1) God owns it all; 2) We are in a growth process; 3) Faithfulness is more important than the amount; and 4) Faith requires action.
- The "Shriek" of Misery: The phrase "weep and howl" in James 5:1 is better translated as "shriek." It depicts a misery so intense it cannot be contained, resulting from the realization that earthly wealth offers no protection against divine judgment.
- Rotting Riches: James describes gold and silver as "rusted" and garments as "moth-eaten." Swindoll explains that these terms highlight the destructive effects of time and disuse. When wealth is hoarded rather than shared, it spiritually "rots" in the owner's hands.
- The Nero Illustration: To illustrate James's charge that the rich have "fattened their hearts," Swindoll describes the gross excess of Emperor Nero, who would purportedly gorge himself on food, vomit it up in a designated well, and return to eat more—a picture of total selfishness.
- The Edgewater Beach Meeting: Swindoll recounts a historic 1923 meeting of ten of the world's most successful financiers. Twenty-five years later, their lives had ended in disaster—including suicides, imprisonment, insanity, and insolvency—proving that money cannot buy peace or security.
- God’s Memory: James 5:4 notes that the cries of cheated laborers have reached the ears of the "Lord of Sabaoth" (Lord of Hosts). Swindoll notes that God keeps a "book of remembrance" regarding unjust acts; while His wheels of justice grind slowly, they grind exceedingly fine.
- Rich Man vs. Lazarus: Swindoll references Jesus’ parable to show that the rich man went to hell not because he was wealthy, but because he was "possessed by his possessions" and unbelieving, while the beggar Lazarus found rest in God.
Message References:
- James 5:1–6: The primary text, offering a rebuke to the ungodly rich regarding hoarding, fraud, self-indulgence, and oppression.
- 1 Timothy 6:8–10, 17–19: Paul’s instructions to the church regarding contentment, the "love of money," and the command for the rich to be "rich in good works."
- Proverbs 11:4: "Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death."
- James 4:13: The context for the rebuke, addressing those who plan their lives and business ventures as if God does not exist.
- Luke 16:19–31: The story of the Rich Man and Lazarus, illustrating the eternal reversal of fortunes for the ungodly wealthy and the godly poor.
