The Rich Poor and The Poor Rich

A paradox is a statement that seems contradictory or opposed to common sense, yet is true. Scripture is replete with paradoxes, so, to read the Bible for all it is worth and gain the wisdom James speaks of, we must grapple with them. The early 20th-century Catholic public intellectual G.K. Chesterton once provided a brilliant definition of a paradox, writing, “A paradox is truth standing on its head shouting for attention.” James 1:9-12 contains such a truth—so countercultural and antithetical to conventional wisdom that it demands our attention. In effect, James says the poor should consider themselves rich, and the rich should consider themselves poor.

When we consider our circumstances, we realize that most of us do not fall neatly into either category. Measured against global and historical standards, we are all rich; yet, living in an expensive city, we often find ourselves financially hard-pressed. The point is not which category we fit into, but to think rightly about whatever circumstances we find ourselves in. Whether our trial is poverty or prosperity, remaining steadfast in it will lead to the crown of life. The promise is for those who love God, who loved us first and in the most paradoxical way, identified with poor sinners - “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” (2 Corinthians 8:9)