James 5:5 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Ye have lived in pleasure, and have been wanton Ετρυφησατε και εσπαταλησατε. The former word signifies, ye have lived luxuriously; or, as the Vulgate has it, Epulati estis, ye have feasted; it being intended of their luxuries and intemperance in eating and drinking : the latter word is intended of their indulging themselves in lasciviousness and carnal lusts. Ye have nourished Or cherished; your hearts Have indulged yourselves to the uttermost; as in a day of slaughter That is, as beasts are fed for a day of slaughter; or, as the words may be rendered, as in a day of sacrifice, which were solemn feast-days among the Jews. The apostle's meaning is, both that the rich Jews pampered themselves every day, as the luxurious did on high festival-days; and that, by their luxury and lasciviousness, they had rendered themselves fit to be destroyed in the day of God's wrath. Ye have condemned and killed, τον δικαιον, the Just One Many just men, and in particular that Just One, termed, (Acts 3:14,) the Holy One and Just. They had killed Stephen, also, and they afterward killed James, the writer of this epistle, surnamed the Just. But the expression might be intended to comprehend all the righteous persons who were murdered by the Jews from first to last. And he The Just One; doth not resist you With that display of power which he can easily exert to your utter destruction, and therefore you are secure. But the day will speedily come when God will avenge his own cause, and pour out upon you the judgments he has threatened.