Warning to the Rich
James 5:1-6; Psalm 49; Mark 9:41–50
James warns the rich against confiscating the wages of their laborers. No doubt, there are many kind and caring wealthy people. However, there are some who are rich because they cheated on others or duped the masses.
Proverbs 3:27 puts it this way: “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.” Jer. 22:13 says, “Woe to him who builds his house by unrighteousness and his upper rooms by injustice, who makes his neighbor serve him for nothing and does not give him his wages.”
Are there individuals who owe for services done for them? Pay up! Pensioners are lamenting the failure of the government. Christ says in the Gospel that we should not cause others to sin. If our hands or offices will cause others to cry and live in abject poverty, malnutrition, and sorrow, then let us cut them off; it is better for us to enter heaven crippled than to have two hands and go to hell (Mark 9:43).
Wealth is not a curse; there are many wealthy people who are good. This message is a call to many others to be wise with their wealth.
Let us pray
Grant, we pray, almighty God, that, always pondering spiritual things, we may carry out in both word and deed that which is pleasing to you. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
