Unrighteous Judging the Righteous

September 11th, 2026
by Lance Waldie

James 5:6 You have condemned and put to death the righteous man; he does not resist you.

Having accused the stingy rich of hoarding wealth in 5:2-3, cheating workers in v. 4, and living self-indulgently in v. 5, James now condemns them for their own condemnation and murder of the righteous in v. 6—those who do “not resist you” but are unjustly scorned.
Though some have surmised that the “righteous man” murdered in v. 6 is Jesus Himself, this is unlikely, for nothing in James’ context leads or points to Jesus. Others, namely those who believe that James is a pseudonymous letter, believe that the anonymous writer is writing for James since James himself was the “righteous one” who was condemned. Though these are possibilities, “the righteous man” is more likely a general reference for any poor Christian oppressed by the wealthy, perhaps even persecuted by the rich unto death.

In using the word “condemned” (Gr. katadikazō), James has a courtroom in mind, complete with a final verdict. Throughout time, even within the two millennia of church history, the powerful rich have exploited, judged, and condemned the righteous poor. It started with Jesus, the lowly carpenter from the lowly town of Nazareth, condemning the most righteous man the world has ever, or will ever, know. The same attitude obviously existed in the early Church, for James condemned it. But it continues in the present day with wealthy, high church clergy, keeping the humble poor man out of leadership and out of the pulpit, having no say in church politics, and being relegated to a meaningless member with nothing to add.

The final phrase in v. 6, “he does not resist you,” points to a righteous poor man, unable to resist their power and influence, who simply allowed the rich to have their way. By reflecting on the commands of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, not resisting his oppressors, the righteous poor man is able to endure temporary oppression in order to obtain eternal rewards. For Jesus said, “I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you” (Matt. 5:39-42). Likewise, the Apostle Paul wrote, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse” (Rom. 12:14).

Money-hungry people have been quoted as saying, “Money isn’t everything; it is the only thing.” Certainly having an excess abundance of wealth is something for which many aspire, yet unless those who possess it are rich in faith (2:5) and willing to be generous with their wealth to the glory of God (Luke 12:21), being poor is clearly the safer option. Just as teachers will be judged more strictly for what they teach (Jas. 3:1), so too will those who have more wealth than they need be judged more severely for how they spend their overages. If they use their wealth to God’s glory, then their riches will be a blessing; if not, those riches will prove to be their curse.

Food For Thought
The Apostle Paul charged his protégé Timothy with many things, one of which was to instruct the wealthy how they might utilize their wealth. Contrasting James’ condemnation of the wicked rich, Paul said, “Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed” (1 Tim. 6:17-19). From Paul’s teaching it is absolutely possible to enjoy one’s wealth to the glory of God, even while enjoying the fruits of it for oneself. So let us use our abundance and excess to God’s glory, not our own.