James 1:9

James 1:9 says, Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:  Paul said that those of low degree, or poorer people who might be looked down on by others, would be exalted, or lifted up, by God for their faithfulness to Him.  If we are faithful to God as followers of Christ, people of the world may often look down on us, but we will be spiritually lifted up by God.  James was not saying that we would be lifted up in our status in the word materially, but that we would be lifted up in God’s eyes.  

Verse ten adds, But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.  James then said that the rich would be made low since their riches would last no longer than the grass that passes away.  This doesn’t mean all rich people are doomed, but that those who put their faith in their riches and earthly status will be brought low spiritually when they face God’s final judgment.  

Verse eleven continues, For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.  James continued with his analogy of the rich being like the grass and flowers.  Both wither in the heat and grace that the rich think they have because their riches and own merit will likewise pass away if it is gained without obeying God’s word.  No matter how many riches we may have materially, they will one day pass away, when we die if not before.  Only the things we gain spiritually will last.