DECEMBER 5 - WARNING TO THE RICH
READ James 5
The rich of this world are warned against an uncompassionate use of their wealth.
INSIGHT
James does not condemn wealth; rather he condemns the uncompassionate use of wealth. It is not wrong to have money, but it is very wrong to have money and not use it to further the Gospel and the welfare of the needy of the world. Those in need are often utterly dependent on those with wealth. In support of James' teaching, Paul writes in 1 Timothy 6:17-18: "Command those who are rich . . . that they be rich in good works." Neither Paul nor James tells the rich to give up their riches; rather both encourage the rich to use their wealth compassionately and generously.
PRAYER
Praise the Lord for the harmony that He can bring to our relationships:
How countless are your works, Lord!
In wisdom you have made them all;
The earth is full of your creatures.
May the glory of the Lord endure forever;
May the Lord rejoice in his works.
He looks at the earth, and it trembles;
He touches the mountains,
And they pour out smoke.
I will sing to the Lord all my life;
I will sing praise to my God while I live.
May my meditation be pleasing to him;
I will rejoice in the Lord
(Psalm 104:24, 31-34).
Pause for praise and thanksgiving. Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Then Samuel said:
Does the Lord take pleasure
In burnt offerings and sacrifices
As much as in obeying the Lord?
Look: to obey is better than sacrifice,
To pay attention is better than the fat of rams
(1 Samuel 15:22).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
To the one who conquers I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne (Revelation 3:21).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
Finally, offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength be to our God forever and ever. Amen. (Revelation 7:12).
The rich of this world are warned against an uncompassionate use of their wealth.
INSIGHT
James does not condemn wealth; rather he condemns the uncompassionate use of wealth. It is not wrong to have money, but it is very wrong to have money and not use it to further the Gospel and the welfare of the needy of the world. Those in need are often utterly dependent on those with wealth. In support of James' teaching, Paul writes in 1 Timothy 6:17-18: "Command those who are rich . . . that they be rich in good works." Neither Paul nor James tells the rich to give up their riches; rather both encourage the rich to use their wealth compassionately and generously.
PRAYER
Praise the Lord for the harmony that He can bring to our relationships:
How countless are your works, Lord!
In wisdom you have made them all;
The earth is full of your creatures.
May the glory of the Lord endure forever;
May the Lord rejoice in his works.
He looks at the earth, and it trembles;
He touches the mountains,
And they pour out smoke.
I will sing to the Lord all my life;
I will sing praise to my God while I live.
May my meditation be pleasing to him;
I will rejoice in the Lord
(Psalm 104:24, 31-34).
Pause for praise and thanksgiving. Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Then Samuel said:
Does the Lord take pleasure
In burnt offerings and sacrifices
As much as in obeying the Lord?
Look: to obey is better than sacrifice,
To pay attention is better than the fat of rams
(1 Samuel 15:22).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
To the one who conquers I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne (Revelation 3:21).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
- Good stewardship with your resources
- Needs of your extended family
- Whatever else is on your heart
Finally, offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength be to our God forever and ever. Amen. (Revelation 7:12).
A Dogwood Church Discipleship Ministry Resource. © Walk Thru the Bible 2025.