Reading for January 7th

Read James 4.13-5.6. In 4.13-5.6: pride of the rich. The criticism of the rich in 1.10-11 and 2.1-4 returns. In 4.13-15: Evil speech expresses arrogance focused on getting rich. In contrast, virtuous speech entrusts one's life and prosperity to God. In verses 16-17: Boasting, another form of evil speech, expresses pride in a repeat of "faith and work" (2.14-26), wholeness is lost when someone knows the right thing to do, but fails to do it. In 5.1-4: Continuing his censure of the rich, James first devalues clothing and jewelry as corruptible (Mt 6.19-21). Then, echoing the popular saying that the wealthy are all theirves, he notes that they withhold wages from laborers. In verses 5-6: Finally, the fruits or injustice simple make the wealthy fat for judgment's slaughter, James next topic. Coomments or Questions..