4 lo, the reward of the workmen, of those who in-gathered your fields, which hath been fraudulently kept back by you—doth cry out, and the exclamations of those who did reap into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth have entered; 5 ye did live in luxury upon the earth, and were wanton; ye did nourish your hearts, as in a day of slaughter;
Matthew Henry's Commentary on James 5:4-5
Commentary on James 5:1-6
(Read James 5:1-6)
Public troubles are most grievous to those who live in pleasure, and are secure and sensual, though all ranks suffer deeply at such times. All idolized treasures will soon perish, except as they will rise up in judgment against their possessors. Take heed of defrauding and oppressing; and avoid the very appearance of it. God does not forbid us to use lawful pleasures; but to live in pleasure, especially sinful pleasure, is a provoking sin. Is it no harm for people to unfit themselves for minding the concerns of their souls, by indulging bodily appetites? The just may be condemned and killed; but when such suffer by oppressors, this is marked by God. Above all their other crimes, the Jews had condemned and crucified that Just One who had come among them, even Jesus Christ the righteous.