Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - James 1:11
11. Now and then the rich man found this glorious lowliness and became a Christian; but the rich of St. James’s day and locality was generally a persecutor, (James 2:5,) and an oppressor, (note on James 5:1-6.) Hence in this verse, with a vividness akin to the last quoted passage, St. James paints the evanescence of the proud and oppressive millionaire. The imagery is borrowed mostly from Isaiah 40:6-8, where the fading character of our earthly humanity is described. Is The Greek has... read more
Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - James 1:9
9. This doublemindedness may arise, oppositely, either from one’s poverty or from one’s wealth. The poor man is averse from the gospel he approves from discontent, the rich from his pride. St. James sets the two face to face, and gives to each his due counsel. Low degree A poor man, a labourer, or a slave. Exalted As a child of God, heir of immortal hopes. Made low As the poor in this world’s goods finds in the gospel an exaltation, raising his thoughts above his poverty with its... read more