Rich Men's Oppression James 2:6

The “twelve tribes scattered abroad” were directed by James, “the servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ” not to give preferential treatment to “rich men” while neglecting and putting down the “poor”. If they did, they would have forgotten how “God has chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he has promised to them that love him”. In chapter two and verse six of his letter, James shared how “rich men” oppress his readers where we read:

But you have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you,

and draw you before the judgment seats?

The verse begins, “But you have despised the poor.” James began with the word, “But” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was just stated, “you have despised” or “dishonored,insulted and treated with contempt” “the poor” who were “those reduced to beggary, begging and asking alms who are destitute of wealth, influence, position and honor”. Those who diminished the value of the “poor” were among James' readers.

The verse goes on to say, “Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?” James continued, “Do not rich men” which refers to “those who are wealthy, abounding in material resources which are abundantly supplied” “oppress you” or “exercise harsh control over one and to use one's power against one”, “and draw you” which means “drag, lead and impel by inward power” “before” or “towards, to and among” “the judgment seats” which means “the instrument, rule, place or means of trying or judging anything”. James had them consider how the “rich men” “harshly control” them and “drag” them to “courts” for “judgment”.

When we think through these words of James, we see how he had his readers to consider the manner in which “rich people” controlled them. Rather than “exalt” the “poor” as James previously exhorted, they were catering to the “rich” who were “oppressive” and judicious toward them. Jesus Christ desires for us to be fair with everyone whether they have means or not. If we think about it, those who are “wealthy” sometimes torment and persecute those who are “poor”. May we never be this way and choose rather to value everyone the way our Heavenly Father does.

Next time James shares how “the rich” “blaspheme” “the worthy name by which” Jame's readers were “called”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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