Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 1 Timothy 6:17
The word “command” is a military word. This is not a suggestion but a command from our Lord through Paul. The rich Ephesians were called to not be haughty or prideful. Pride is something that we all struggle with. However, wealth makes us more inclined towards this particular sin. The wealthy tend to think higher of themselves than they should and look down upon others. They might think this of those from a lower socio-economic bracket, “If they weren’t so lazy and just worked harder” or, “If they would just get an education…” However, Scripture teaches that God is the one who makes one wealthy or poor.
In the Book of 1 Samuel 2:7 says, “The Lord maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.”
Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? (James 2:5).
That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; (1 Timothy 6:18).
They both come from God.
Paul says the wealthy should not be arrogant or prideful in their riches. If they remember that God both gives and takes away, this will help them remain humble.
1 Corinthians 4:7 says, “For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?”
How can a person know if he is arrogant about his wealth?
One can tell by considering how he views those from a lower economic status. Do they look down on them? Do they treat them with less respect than the wealthy? Would they avoid marrying somebody with a lower economic status or education or prevent their children from doing so? If so, they must humble themselves, as Scripture forbids these types of thoughts. Consider what James 2:3-6 says in forbidding partiality:
And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: 4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? 5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? 6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?
James writes about actions that should accompany genuine faith (Jam 2:14-26), and he says partiality is foreign to it. True faith should change how we treat the poor. It should deliver us from pride that leads to partiality. Beware of the pride and judgmentalism that tend to come with wealth
