James 1:11
A plain-spoken deep dive on this verse. Read the chapter →
For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its flower falls and its beauty is lost. So too, the rich man will fade away in the midst of his pursuits.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Taken from Isa 40:6-8. heat--rather, "the hot wind" from the (east or) south, which scorches vegetation (Luk 12:55). The "burning heat" of the sun is not at its rising, but rather at noon; whereas the scorching Kadim wind is often at sunrise (Jon 4:8) [MIDDLETON, The Doctrine of the Greek Article]. Mat 20:12 uses the Greek word for "heat." Isa 40:7, "bloweth upon it," seems to answer to "the hot wind" here. grace of the fashion--that is of the external appearance. in his ways--referring to the burdensome extent of the rich man's devices [BENGEL]. Compare "his ways," that is, his course of life, Jam 1:8.
Open source ↗After the inscription and salutation (Jam 1:1) Christians are taught how to conduct themselves when under the cross. Several graces and duties are recommended; and those who endure their trials and afflictions as the apostle here directs are pronounced blessed and are assured of a glorious reward (Jam 1:2-12). But those sins which bring sufferings, or the weakness and faults men are chargeable with under them, are by no means to be imputed to God, who cannot be the author of sin, but is the author of all good (Jam 1:13-18). All passion, and rash anger, and vile affections, ought to be suppressed. The word of God should be made our chief study: and what we hear and know of it we must take care to practise, otherwise our religion will prove but a vain thing. To this is added an account wherein pure religion consists (Jam 1:19-27).
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
But when the sun rose, the seedlings were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.
But when the sun rose, the seedlings were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.
As a man came from his mother’s womb, so he will depart again, naked as he arrived. He takes nothing for his labor to carry in his hands.
My heart is afflicted, and withered like grass; I even forget to eat my bread.
and those who use the things of this world, as if not dependent on them. For this world in its present form is passing away.
and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you,
And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
Woe to the majestic crown of Ephraim’s drunkards, to the fading flower of his glorious splendor, set on the summit above the fertile valley, the pride of those overcome by wine.
The fading flower of his beautiful splendor, set on the summit above the fertile valley, will be like a ripe fig before the summer harvest: Whoever sees it will take it in his hand and swallow it.
My days are like lengthening shadows, and I wither away like grass.