James addresses two groups of people. Both the rich and the poor recognizing that in every gathering of believers there are those who have a lot and those who have a little.
Why? Because it does not matter whether you are rich or poor, both have situations that they deal with that they do not know what to do and thus the answer for them is the same. Seek wisdom.
Believers who are in humble circumstances must see themselves as God sees them. Thus, he tells them to hold their heads up high.
9 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position.
James 1:9 NIV
Humble: ταπεινός, ή, όν (tap-i-nos’) – low-lying, lowly, lowly in spirit humble, lowly, in position or spirit (in a good sense).
Inner lowliness describing the person who depends on the Lord rather than self.
tapeinophrosynē means being God-reliant rather than self-reliant – which ironically always exalts a person (brings them true worth,
Pride: kauxáomai means properly, living with “head up high,” i.e., boasting from a particular vantage point by having the right base of operation to deal successfully with a matter.
10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation
James 1:10 NIV
Rich those with material blessings. Those who are in the category of self-reliant.
Humiliation: ταπείνωσις, εως, ἡ, (tapinosis) means Low estate abasement (in spirit), low condition (in circumstances). That self-reliance is not of God but rather of our own sinful nature. This is why we waffle back and forth and are unstable in what we do. We ask god and then trust in our own abilities.
Why should the rich be humbled? Because this is all passing away.
—since they will pass away like a wildflower. 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls, and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.
James 1:10-11 NIV
Note: God will not push us beyond our ability and recognizes that we are but like the grass of the field.
As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;14 for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. 15 The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; 16 the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. 17 But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children—18 with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts. Psalm 103:13-18 NIV
So, when you are in the middle of the trial it is possible to be joyful and recognize that their lies reward for those who are not double minded and who seek God in true wisdom and in faith.
12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12 NIV
When you are seeking wisdom, don’t blame God for your temptation that you give in to.
13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone.
James 1:13 NIV
We create our own situations for failure when we try to ack on our own with out the wisdom of God.
14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
James 1:14-15 NIV
God is not double minded; he does not change.
16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
James 1:16-17 NIV
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