– Today’s Community Scripture – 8/25/2025
And a final word to you, arrogant rich: Take some lessons in lament. You’ll need buckets for the tears when the crash comes upon you. Your money is corrupt, and your fine clothes stink. Your greedy luxuries are a cancer in your gut, destroying your life from within. You thought you were piling up wealth. What you’ve piled up is judgment. All the workers you’ve exploited and cheated cry out for judgment. The groans of the workers you used and abused are a roar in the ears of the Master Avenger. You’ve looted the earth and lived it up. But all you’ll have to show for it is a fatter-than-usual corpse. In fact, what you’ve done is condemn and murder perfectly good persons, who stand there and take it. Meanwhile, friends, wait patiently for the Master’s Arrival. You see farmers do this all the time, waiting for their valuable crops to mature, patiently letting the rain do its slow but sure work. Be patient like that. Stay steady and strong. The Master could arrive at any time. Friends, don’t complain about each other. A far greater complaint could be lodged against you, you know. The Judge is standing just around the corner. Take the old prophets as your mentors. They put up with anything, went through everything, and never once quit, all the time honoring God. What a gift life is to those who stay the course! You’ve heard, of course, of Job’s staying power, and you know how God brought it all together for him at the end. That’s because God cares, cares right down to the last detail. And since you know that he cares, let your language show it. Don’t add words like “I swear to God” to your own words. Don’t show your impatience by concocting oaths to hurry up, God. Just say yes or no. Just say what is true. That way, your language can’t be used against you.
James 5:1–12 (MSG)
– Reflection:
In reflecting on James 5:1–12, we are reminded that earthly wealth gained through exploitation and injustice carries a heavy spiritual cost. Many who appear successful have built their fortunes on the suffering of others—hoarding riches, withholding fair wages, and living in indulgence while ignoring the cries of those they’ve wronged. But Scripture assures us that such injustice does not go unnoticed. The passage warns of a coming judgment, where the corrupt will face the consequences of their actions. Their riches will rot, and their comfort will turn to misery. Yet, amid this warning, James also calls for patience and perseverance among the righteous, encouraging them to remain steadfast, knowing that justice will ultimately prevail. It is a sobering reminder that integrity and compassion matter far more than status, and that every wrong will one day be made right.
– Where do we go from here?
We stay focused on doing right by others, even when it’s not the popular or profitable choice. James reminds us that the truth always comes to light, and those who’ve climbed by stepping on others will eventually face the weight of their actions. Our job isn’t to chase after what they have—it’s to stay rooted in integrity, patience, and faith. We keep showing up, doing the work, and trusting that justice—God’s justice—will come in its time. That’s how we move forward: not bitter, but better.
– Our Prayer for Today
Lord, thank You for the truth found in Your Word. Help us to walk with integrity, even when the world rewards the opposite. Give us patience when justice feels delayed, and strength to keep doing what’s right. Remind us that You see every act, every heart, and that Your justice never fails. May we be faithful, humble, and kind—trusting that in Your time, all things will be made right. Amen.
And a final word to you, arrogant rich: Take some lessons in lament. You’ll need buckets for the tears when the crash comes upon you. Your money is corrupt, and your fine clothes stink. Your greedy luxuries are a cancer in your gut, destroying your life from within. You thought you were piling up wealth. What you’ve piled up is judgment. All the workers you’ve exploited and cheated cry out for judgment. The groans of the workers you used and abused are a roar in the ears of the Master Avenger. You’ve looted the earth and lived it up. But all you’ll have to show for it is a fatter-than-usual corpse. In fact, what you’ve done is condemn and murder perfectly good persons, who stand there and take it. Meanwhile, friends, wait patiently for the Master’s Arrival. You see farmers do this all the time, waiting for their valuable crops to mature, patiently letting the rain do its slow but sure work. Be patient like that. Stay steady and strong. The Master could arrive at any time. Friends, don’t complain about each other. A far greater complaint could be lodged against you, you know. The Judge is standing just around the corner. Take the old prophets as your mentors. They put up with anything, went through everything, and never once quit, all the time honoring God. What a gift life is to those who stay the course! You’ve heard, of course, of Job’s staying power, and you know how God brought it all together for him at the end. That’s because God cares, cares right down to the last detail. And since you know that he cares, let your language show it. Don’t add words like “I swear to God” to your own words. Don’t show your impatience by concocting oaths to hurry up, God. Just say yes or no. Just say what is true. That way, your language can’t be used against you.
James 5:1–12 (MSG)
– Reflection:
In reflecting on James 5:1–12, we are reminded that earthly wealth gained through exploitation and injustice carries a heavy spiritual cost. Many who appear successful have built their fortunes on the suffering of others—hoarding riches, withholding fair wages, and living in indulgence while ignoring the cries of those they’ve wronged. But Scripture assures us that such injustice does not go unnoticed. The passage warns of a coming judgment, where the corrupt will face the consequences of their actions. Their riches will rot, and their comfort will turn to misery. Yet, amid this warning, James also calls for patience and perseverance among the righteous, encouraging them to remain steadfast, knowing that justice will ultimately prevail. It is a sobering reminder that integrity and compassion matter far more than status, and that every wrong will one day be made right.
– Where do we go from here?
We stay focused on doing right by others, even when it’s not the popular or profitable choice. James reminds us that the truth always comes to light, and those who’ve climbed by stepping on others will eventually face the weight of their actions. Our job isn’t to chase after what they have—it’s to stay rooted in integrity, patience, and faith. We keep showing up, doing the work, and trusting that justice—God’s justice—will come in its time. That’s how we move forward: not bitter, but better.
– Our Prayer for Today
Lord, thank You for the truth found in Your Word. Help us to walk with integrity, even when the world rewards the opposite. Give us patience when justice feels delayed, and strength to keep doing what’s right. Remind us that You see every act, every heart, and that Your justice never fails. May we be faithful, humble, and kind—trusting that in Your time, all things will be made right. Amen.