Warnings to the Rich: Using Wealth for Righteousness, Not Greed

Money is a powerful tool. It can bless others and further God’s kingdom or become a source of greed, oppression, and self-indulgence. James gives a strong warning to the rich, not because wealth itself is evil but because the love of money often leads to corruption, injustice, and a false sense of security. The real issue isn’t money—it’s how we use it and where our hearts are.

As we continue our Faith in Action – Walking Through James journey, today’s passage challenges us to view wealth through God’s eyes and use it for righteousness rather than selfish gain.

“Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days. Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered the righteous person. He does not resist you.”
—James 5:1-6 (ESV)

God calls us to steward wealth with righteousness, generosity, and justice rather than selfishness and greed.

James delivers a sobering rebuke to the wealthy who have hoarded riches, exploited workers, and lived in selfish indulgence. While this passage speaks to the corrupt wealthy of James’ time, its message is just as relevant today.

1. Wealth Can Lead to False Security

James warns, “Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver have corroded.”

• Money, possessions, and material wealth are temporary.
• If we place our trust in wealth, it will ultimately fail us.
• Instead of hoarding earthly treasures, Jesus calls us to store treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21).

Where is your security? Is it in your bank account, or is it in God’s eternal provision?

2. Wealth Without Justice is Sinful

James condemns those who gain wealth by exploiting others, saying, “The wages of the laborers… which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you.”

• God hears the cries of the oppressed.
• Injustice—whether through unfair wages, corruption, or greed—does not go unnoticed by God.
• True righteousness is shown when we use wealth to uplift others rather than oppress them.

3. Self-indulgence leads to Spiritual Decay

James describes the rich as those who have “lived on the earth in luxury and self-indulgence.”

• Wealth should never be an excuse for indulgence while others suffer.
• Living only for comfort, excess, and personal pleasure leads to spiritual numbness.
• God blesses us so that we can be a blessing to others.

Are we using what God has given us to serve His kingdom or just ourselves?

4. Judgment Awaits Those Who Use Wealth for Oppression

James declares, “You have condemned and murdered the righteous person.”

• God takes injustice seriously.
• Wealth is not a shield against God’s judgment; it can be evidence against those who use it unrighteously.
• Instead of trusting in riches, we must trust in God’s justice and mercy.

How Do We Use Wealth for Righteousness?

• Be generous. Use what God has given you to help the poor, support ministries, and serve others.
• Act justly. Conduct business, work, and finances with honesty and fairness.
• Seek God’s kingdom first. Don’t let wealth distract you from your true purpose in Christ.

Action Step:

• Evaluate your heart toward money. Is it a tool for God’s glory, or a source of pride and security?
• Give generously. Find a way to bless someone in need this week.
• Commit to financial integrity. Be fair, honest, and just in your financial dealings.

“Wealth is not a sin, but failing to use it for God’s purposes is.”
—John Wesley

How have you seen wealth used for good or harm? How do you strive to use what God has given you wisely? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for every blessing You have given me. Please help me to use wealth with righteousness, generosity, and justice. Guard my heart against greed, and teach me to trust in You rather than material possessions. May I be a faithful steward of all You provide. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Chad 

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