It can scorch and disappear in a hurry. Similarly, James teaches, the rich man will fade away. Wealth is not eternal. And it is better to be happy about a lowly position in life than to be wealthy and have no eternal life. Though you have not other things, rejoice in this, that you do have the best things.
Sole adoption is worth all the world.
Do not complain that you have not the gold, if you have the kiss. We need godliness with contentment. This is wisdom from above that God loves to give. B. Now turn your attention to v. 12. There, James resumes the theme of steadfastness under suffering.