On my spring day today, this passage of the Bible stands out well as being illustrated by nature. The people of the world strive to get by, many on less than $.01 per day to feed and shelter themselves. The rich man though should humble himself/herself and aid these people who are poorer.
James said, if the rich strive for praise and exaltation, gaining more and more things and congratulations as the goal, they will be like the flower, which fades, withers, and dies. The rich person's pursuits will be useless to his ultimate goal of reaching heaven.
We should aim to show our faith by works, to care for the poor, widows, and orphans. We should be humble even when we have excess and use it to help those who are humbled by their poverty in life to bring them up and give them hope.
Riches and striving to get them will not give you heaven and a relationship with God. Seeking God first and living out your faith no matter your material circumstances will give you a strong relationship with the Lord and He will exalt you for it. Your reward in heaven will be great.
