Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - James 5:1
4. Denunciatory appeal to the rich for their oppression, self-indulgence, and persecution, James 5:1-6. 1. Go to now Note on James 4:13. Rich men The rich men of St. James were something different from the honest and charitable possessors of wealth of which our Christianity has since furnished so many specimens. They displayed great outward pomp, James 2:2-3; they were political dynasts, ( καταδυναστευουσιν ,) or potentates, James 2:6; they were blasphemers and persecutors, James... read more
Wesley's Explanatory Notes - James 5:1
Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you.Come now, ye rich — The apostle does not speak this so much for the sake of the rich themselves, as of the poor children of God, who were then groaning under their cruel oppression.Weep and howl for your miseries which are coming upon you — Quickly and unexpectedly. This was written not long before the siege of Jerusalem; during which, as well as after it, huge calamities came on the Jewish nation, not only in... read more