James 4 - Submit Yourself to GodSýnishorn

The high price of the pursuit of wealth

The first two verses are surprising in their description of what was going on in James’ audience. James uses hyperbole and metaphor to describe what is essentially the breakdown of relationships in the community. 

This breakdown has its origin in—you guessed it—money. Some of these believers craved wealth so much that they were willing to tread on others to get it and spend it all on pleasures (verse 3). It all sounds disturbingly contemporary. These believers were committing one of the most offensive acts in the Bible: pursuing wealth at the expense of relationships.  

According to verse 4, those who love wealth more than human beings are spiritual adulterers, even worse, they are enemies of God. The Bible teaches that there is much in the world that is beautiful, beneficial, and pleasing to God (Gen 1:31; 1 Tim 6:17). Yet, it also teaches that any world-system which pursues wealth at the expense of relationships is hell-bound. James says that choosing to befriend that ‘world’ is an act of infidelity towards our Creator. God is jealous when he sees our adulterous affair with the world. What a powerful thought!

Verse 6 quotes Proverbs 3:34 reminding us that God opposes the proud, i.e., someone who rejects James’ message but gives grace to the humble, i.e., someone who accepts James’ message. No matter how bad some of James’ audience had become, ‘grace’ is always available for the humble.

Greed as adultery and idolatry

In describing the pursuit of wealth at the expense of relationships as spiritual ‘adultery’, James strikes a theme that resounds through the New Testament: riches can be a rival ‘god’ seducing God’s people away from their true devotion. As Jesus said, “you cannot serve both God and Money” (Matt 6:24). Or as Paul said, “greed is idolatry” (Col 3:5). To pursue wealth is to worship another god. According to James, it is to commit adultery with another lover. 

Wealth per se is not the problem. It is the chasing after wealth “to spend what you get on your pleasures” (4:3) that amounts to spiritual adultery and idolatry. Acquiring money solely to dress in great clothes, eat at good restaurants, holiday in beautiful locations, and fill the home with modern comforts: this, says James, is a betrayal of our Creator. 

Why? Because God has granted the gifts of his creation not for individual satisfaction but for enhancing human relationships. Relationships are the true currency of life. Not using our provisions for their intended purposes is a rejection of the Provider. Of course, the rich are not expected to become poor, but to be “rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share” (1 Tim 6:18). We are to use our resources relationally. What else could loving your neighbor as yourself mean in connection with money?