James 1: 9-11

James 1:  9-11


⁹The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. ¹⁰But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. ¹¹For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.


On face these verses seem to be simply saying that we should be viewing our circumstances exactly the opposite of what the world might expect.  If you are in a humble circumstance, be proud of your high position.   If you are rich, be proud of your low position.  What may require a bit more thought is: "Why should the rich man be proud at all?" especially after the description given of him whithering like a shriveled flower.  On the other hand, maybe what these verses are saying is that we should take pride in whatever circumstances that we find ourselves in.  The humble man can already see that his situation is humbling so he merely needs to be reminded that he should hold his head up and not be ashamed.  Whereas the rich man maybe be in a situation where is already proud but for the wrong reason, namely: his material wealth. Both men should take pride in something other than there circumstances because in reality all of us are truly blessed.