Listen, my beloved brothers, Has not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he has promised to them that love him?
Hearken.
Judges 9:7 And when they told it to Jotham, he went and stood in the top of mount Gerizim, and lifted up his voice, and cried, and said unto them, Hearken unto me, ye men of Shechem, that God may hearken unto you.
1 Kings 22:28 And Micaiah said, If thou return at all in peace, the LORD hath not spoken by me. And he said, Hearken, O people, every one of you.
Job 34:10 Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity.
Hath not.
James 1:9 Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:
Isaiah 14:32 What shall one then answer the messengers of the nation? That the LORD hath founded Zion, and the poor of his people shall trust in it.
Isaiah 29:19 The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.
rich.
Proverbs 8:17-21 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me…
Luke 12:21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
1 Corinthians 3:21-23 Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; …
heirs.
Matthew 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
Luke 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
the.
James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
Exodus 20:6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
1 Samuel 2:30 Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.
Has not God chosen the poor of this world:
This highlights God's preference for the humble and lowly, aligning with Jesus' teachings in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3). The "poor" here can be understood both materially and spiritually, indicating those who recognize their need for God. This choice reflects God's upside-down kingdom values, where the last are first (Matthew 20:16).
to be rich in faith:
The richness in faith contrasts with material poverty, suggesting that true wealth is found in spiritual abundance. This echoes Jesus' teaching in Luke 12:21 about being rich toward God. Faith is portrayed as a treasure that surpasses earthly wealth, aligning with 1 Peter 1:7, where faith is more precious than gold.
and to inherit the kingdom He promised:
The concept of inheritance is significant in biblical theology, often associated with the promises made to Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 12:1-3). The kingdom here refers to God's reign, both present and future, as seen in Jesus' parables about the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 13). This inheritance is a gift of grace, not earned by human effort.
those who love Him:
Love for God is a central theme in Scripture, encapsulated in the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37). This love is not merely emotional but demonstrated through obedience and faithfulness (John 14:15). The promise of the kingdom is thus linked to a relationship with God, characterized by love and devotion.
James begins with an affectionate address that invites believers to lean in and give undivided attention. Scripture often pairs listening with obedience—“Everyone should be quick to listen” (James 1:19). Calling them “beloved brothers” stresses family unity in Christ (Hebrews 3:1; Matthew 12:50). The tone is warm yet weighty: what follows is not optional advice but Spirit-breathed truth meant for action.
• God’s gracious election turns worldly values upside down.
• Jesus announced, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God” (Luke 6:20).
• Paul echoes the theme: “Brothers, consider your calling… God chose the lowly and despised” (1 Corinthians 1:26-29).
• The materially poor are not loved because poverty is virtuous in itself, but because their need often leaves them more open to rely on God (1 Samuel 2:8).
Material lack can coexist with overflowing spiritual wealth.
• The Smyrna believers were told, “I know your affliction and poverty—yet you are rich” (Revelation 2:9).
• True riches come from trusting God’s character, promises, and provision (Luke 12:21; 2 Corinthians 6:10).
• Faith links believers to “every spiritual blessing in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3), making them wealthy beyond earthly calculation.
God’s choice carries a future guarantee: participation in His eternal reign.
• Jesus will say, “Come, you who are blessed by My Father; inherit the kingdom prepared for you” (Matthew 25:34).
• “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32) assures that this inheritance is secure.
• As “heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17), believers anticipate a tangible, everlasting kingdom where righteousness dwells.
Love for God is the distinguishing mark of the heirs.
• James has already tied blessing to love: “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial… the Lord has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12).
• “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God” (Romans 8:28).
• Love is not merely emotion but loyal devotion expressed in obedience (John 14:21). The poor who embrace Christ in faith demonstrate that they truly love Him, confirming their place in the promised kingdom.
James 2:5 affirms that God deliberately looks past earthly status to extend gracious choice to the materially poor, granting them abundant spiritual riches and a guaranteed share in His coming kingdom. Their qualification is neither wealth nor pedigree, but genuine faith expressed in love for God. Earthly poverty can position hearts to grasp heavenly treasure, proving once again that the last will be first in God’s upside-down economy.
(5) Hearken, my beloved brethren.--With complete change of manner the Apostle writes now as if he were speaking, in brief quivering sentences, appealing to the hearts which his stronger words may not compel.Hath not God chosen . . .?--There is, then, an election on the part of God. It were folly to deny it. But this passage, like so many others, gives the reason for that choice. "The poor of this world" are His chosen; not merely for their poverty, although it may have been the air, so to speak, in which the virtues which endeared them to Him have flourished most. And these are rich for present and for future. They know Him "now by faith," and "after this life have the fruition of His glorious Godhead." "Blessed be ye poor, for yours is the kingdom of God" (Luke 6:20). The way thereto for them is nearer and less cumbered than for the rich, if only they fulfil the Scripture (comp. Matthew 6:3), and be poor "in spirit:" then, indeed, are they "heirs of the kingdom which He hath promised to them that love Him." The world must always measure by its own standard, and consider poverty a curse, just as it looks on pain and trouble as evil. But the teaching of God, declared most eloquently in the life of His blessed Son, is the direct opposite to this. In a worship which demands of its votaries costly gifts and offerings--and every religion tends downwards to such desires--the rich man has a golden pavement to his future bliss. No wonder, therefore, that again and again the voice of the Spirit of God has pointed out the narrow way, and the eternal excellency of truth, and faith, and love, the riches easiest of acquisition by the poor.
Verses 5-9. - Proof of the sinfulness of respect of persons. Verse 5. - Hearken (ἀκούσατε). This has been noticed as a coincidence with the speech of St. James in Acts 15:13. It is, however, too slight to be worth much (cf. Acts 7:2; Acts 13:16; Acts 22:1). For τοῦ κόσμου τούτου, read τῷ κόσμῳ (א, A, B, C), "poor as to the world;" perhaps "in the estimation of the world." These God chose (to be) rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom, etc. The kingdom; mentioned here only by St. James (and even here, א, A read ἐπαγγελίας); cf. νόμον βασιλικόν in ver. 8. Which he hath promised. As Dean Plumptre has pointed out, "it is scarcely possible to exclude a direct reference to the words of Christ, as in Luke 6:20; Luke 12:31, 32; and so we get indirect proof of a current knowledge, at the early period at which St. James wrote, of teaching which was afterwards recorded in the written Gospels."