As a nation we have become increasingly cynical about the honesty of our politicians, suspicious about the motives of large corporations, and even dubious about those we rely on daily for health, financial and household support. Who can we trust? It sometimes feels as though our lives are governed by those described as living ‘on earth in luxury and self-indulgence’ (v 5), without regard for the common good of society. 

Living with integrity begins by being truthful in all areas of our lives and letting our ‘Yes’ be yes and our ‘No’ be no (v 12). Truth and trust are intimately connected. We learn to trust those who we know are telling us the truth. James goes further to emphasise the importance of truth-telling, by warning against using oaths, or invoking the name of God. In all of our words we should seek to be truthful and, therefore, trustworthy.

Oaths are not prohibited in Scripture (eg Numbers 30:2), but James was writing to Jews who were abusing God’s name and not following through on their promises, thus defaming the name and character of God. The important message here is truthful communication, providing building blocks for healthy relationships. This means walking honestly with God, in humility and vulnerability, so others will see God’s truth reflected in our lives.

‘Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!’¹ This is the God we worship!

Today’s reading continues with the theme of riches or, more precisely, ‘rich people’ (v 1) who are oppressing the community to whom James writes – and these are roundly condemned by James. The opening verses contain, perhaps, the harshest statements within the letter, as James’ accusations and warnings are uncompromising in tone (vs 1–6). How should the oppressed respond in this situation? They should wait for the coming of the Lord, because at that time God will judge those who abuse their wealth to oppress others. Just as the farmer has to wait patiently, unable to do anything to speed the growth of his crop, so those who are oppressed should wait patiently for the Lord’s return, in the realisation that the timing of this is the Lord’s (vs 7,8). James reminds the oppressed that the patience required is the same as that shown by the prophets and by Job, who persevered through his time of trial (vs 10,11). In the final verse of our reading today, we have the closest thing to a direct quote of Jesus within the letter.² In context, it seems to refer to another response that the oppressed should avoid – taking vows that signify their impatience with God’s timing.

James’ warning to the rich oppressors and encouragement to those being oppressed lies in the fact that the Lord will return. To those who oppress others, Jesus comes as judge. To those who are oppressed, James offers hope that, when Jesus returns, justice will be served. The warning and encouragement are as relevant today as when James wrote. We know which message is applicable to us. If it is the warning, then we need to heed it; if it is the encouragement, then take heart: Jesus is coming back! Will we be ready?

‘“... I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.’³ Spend time searching your hearts so that you will be ready for his return. 

¹ Rom 11:33  ² Matt 5:34–37  ³ Rev 22:20