5 Listen, my brothers and sisters: Didn’t God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him?

6 Yet, you have dishonored the poor. Don’t the rich oppress you and drag you into court?

7 Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong?

James is focused on wealth, and several times in his book he speaks against wealth. But it is important to know what was happening at the time James wrote this.

“’The rich’ refers to wealthy, often abusive landowners and employers in the 1^st century Roman world who exploited vulnerable, poorer individuals.

Rather than condemning wealth itself, James targets the misuse of wealth.”[1]

“James has Jewish officials in mind when he says, ‘they drag you into court.’ Acts 9:2 where Saul traveled to Damascus with official letters to arrest Christians testifies to the authority that Rome handed over to the Jews.”[2]

This makes it clear that James is not speaking of those who are affluent in general. He has specific abusive officials and landowners in mind. But there is truth to this. Those who don’t have a lot and struggle to make ends meet find themselves in a situation where they must depend on God for their provision. They do not have lots of things to keep them busy and distracted. There is a dependence on God that those who rely on themselves and their wealth don’t know. There is humility in need. “Humble yourself before the Lord and He will exalt you.” (James 4:10)

James made a statement I must address: “Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of Him to Whom you belong?” (James 2:7)

Jesus is under attack today. He is considered offensive and many of those who entertain us ARE blaspheming the noble name of Him to Whom we belong. But because we enjoy their music or acting or cheer them on during a big game, we overlook it. Beth Moore said, “How often do we drool over celebrities who mock the very One to Whom we belong.”[3]

Let’s look at it this way: how would you feel if someone you admired in the entertainment world began speaking hatefully and offensively about your spouse, your child, your best friend? Would you continue to support their work, pay to see them perform, buy their jersey? Probably not. You would be angry. More than likely, you would have nothing to do with them. Your love for Jesus must be even more than that. He is your King, your Savior, your Hero, the Love of your life. He brought God to this earth. He bore a brutal death for the joy of you being with him for all eternity. He was raised from the dead and sits at the right hand of God. He loves you, passionately.

With that said, you may wonder if that isn’t just hateful to “judge” someone like that. Wisdom must be your guide. God’s wisdom. Ask Him. You can withdraw your support of someone on this earth because of what they represent but still love them and pray for them. Bring them before the throne of God. Remember, He loves them too.

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[1] Google AI

[2] Nelson New Illustrated Bible Commentary

[3] Moore, James Mercy Triumphs