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?
Hearken. James brings to trial the self-constituted "judges" (James 2:4).
Poor of this world. 'Aleph (') B read х too (G3588) kosmoo (G2889)] 'those poor in respect to the world.' In contrast to 1 Timothy 6:17. Not of course all the poor; but they, as a class, furnish more believers than the rich. The rich, if a believer, renounces riches as his portion; the poor, if an unbeliever, neglects what is the special advantage of poverty (Matthew 5:3; 1 Corinthians 1:26-28).
Rich in faith - their riches consist in faith (Luke 12:21; 1 Timothy 6:18; Revelation 2:9: cf. 2 Corinthians 8:9). Christ's poverty is the source of the believer's riches.
Kingdom ... promised (Luke 12:32; 1 Corinthians 2:9; 2 Timothy 4:8).