James 1:10

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

But the one who is rich should exult in his low position, because he will pass away like a flower of the field.

American Standard Version (1901)

and the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.

Bible in Basic English

But the man of wealth, that he is made low; because like the flower of the grass he will come to his end.

Douay-Rheims 1899

And the rich, in his being low; because as the flower of the grass shall he pass away.

Free Bible Version

while the rich should “boast” in the humble position they now have, since they will fade away like flowers in the field.

Geneva Bible 1599

Againe hee that is rich, in that hee is made lowe: for as the flower of the grasse, shall he vanish away.

King James (Authorized) Version

But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.

Plain English Version

But the Christians that are rich can be happy too, because they know that they are not important. They know that they need God, and that he will save them. You see, money can’t make people happy, and it can’t stop people from dying. People are like flowers that grow in the bush.

Translation for Translators

And believers who are rich should be happy that they have humbled themselves in order to trust in Jesus Christ (OR, but rich people can only take pride in the fact that God will humble them when he judges everyone [IRO]), because they and their riches [MTY] will pass away, just like wild flowers wither [SIM].

Unlocked Literal Bible

but the rich man of his low position, because he will pass away as a wild flower in the grass.

Noah Webster Bible

But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.

World English Bible

and the rich, in that he is made humble, because like the flower in the grass, he will pass away.

Young's Literal Translation

and the rich in his becoming low, because as a flower of grass he shall pass away;

Context

Rejoicing in Trials

⁹The brother in humble circumstances should exult in his high position.¹⁰But the one who is rich should exult in his low position, because he will pass away like a flower of the field.¹¹For 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.

Summary

James 1:10 warns against the fleeting nature of wealth and status in this world, emphasizing that both will pass away like a wildflower. The verse encourages believers to focus on eternal values and not be consumed by material possessions or earthly achievements. By highlighting the temporary nature of worldly success, James reminds Christians to prioritize spiritual growth and invest in treasures that have lasting significance in the kingdom of God. This verse serves as a reminder to keep a proper perspective on wealth and status, recognizing their impermanence in light of eternity.

Commentary

Adam Clarke
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill
Tyndale

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

But the rich, in that he is made low - Εν τῃ ταπεινωσει· In his humiliation - in his being brought to the foot of the cross to receive, as a poor and miserable sinner, redemption through the blood of the cross: and especially let him rejoice in this, because all outward glory is only as the flower of the field, and, like that, will wither and perish.

John Gill Bible Commentary

But the rich, in that he is made low,.... That is, the rich brother; for there were rich men in the churches in those times, and which James often takes notice of in this epistle. Such an one should rejoice or glory in his lowness, or low estate; in the consideration of the low estate, out of which he was raised, by the good providence of God, and was not owing to any merit of his; and in the low estate into which he may be at present reduced, through the violence of persecution being stripped of all his riches for Christ's sake, of which he might make his boast, and count it his greatest glory; or in that low estate he may quickly expect he shall be brought into, either in the above manner, or by some calamity or another, and at least by death, which will put him upon a level with others: or this may have respect to the temper of his mind, which he has, through the grace of God, and the station he is in, in the church of God, being a brother, and no more than a brother, and upon an equal foot with the meanest member in it; and which yet is matter of rejoicing, that he is one, and that he is so blessed with the grace of humility, as not to lift up himself above others, not to mind high things, but to condescend to men of low estate; and such a deportment the apostle exhorts rich saints unto, from the consideration of the instability and inconstancy of worldly riches. Because, as the flower of the grass he shall pass away; shortly, and suddenly; either he himself by death, or his riches at death, or before, and therefore are not to be gloried in; nor should the possessors of them be proud and haughty and elate themselves with them, but should behave humbly and modestly to their fellow creatures and Christians, as knowing that in a short time they will all be upon a par, or in an equal state; See Job 14:2. The metaphor here used is enlarged upon in the following verse, for the further illustration of the fickleness, perishing, and transitory nature of earthly enjoyments.

James 1:10

Rejoicing in Trials

Scripture
Sermons
Commentary

Berean Standard Bible

But the one who is rich should exult in his low position, because he will pass away like a flower of the field.

American Standard Version (1901)

and the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.

Bible in Basic English

But the man of wealth, that he is made low; because like the flower of the grass he will come to his end.

Douay-Rheims 1899

And the rich, in his being low; because as the flower of the grass shall he pass away.

Free Bible Version

while the rich should “boast” in the humble position they now have, since they will fade away like flowers in the field.

Geneva Bible 1599

Againe hee that is rich, in that hee is made lowe: for as the flower of the grasse, shall he vanish away.

King James (Authorized) Version

But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.

Plain English Version

Translation for Translators

Unlocked Literal Bible

but the rich man of his low position, because he will pass away as a wild flower in the grass.

Noah Webster Bible

But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.

World English Bible

and the rich, in that he is made humble, because like the flower in the grass, he will pass away.

Young's Literal Translation

and the rich in his becoming low, because as a flower of grass he shall pass away;

Adam Clarke
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill
Tyndale

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

John Gill Bible Commentary

James 1:10

Verse

Context

Rejoicing in Trials

Summary

Commentary

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

John Gill Bible Commentary

Tyndale Open Study Notes

James 1:10

Rejoicing in Trials

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

John Gill Bible Commentary

Tyndale Open Study Notes