1. True riches and things that fade (9-11)

God exalts the humble and puts down the proud. So the brother in humble circumstances can be a spiritual leader among God's people. James 2:5 says that God has chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom. On the other hand, those who have material abundance should not take pride in their material possessions. They should take pride only in the cross of Jesus. The things of the world pass away like wild flowers in the hot sun.

2. The crown of life (12)

When the hot sun of trials and persecution rises, we must not dry up and fade away. We must persevere under trial. The trials of life are tests of faith. Whatever the trial may be, if we trust God and persevere, we will be blessed by God. God has promised a crown of life to those who love him. If we love God and do not doubt his love for us, he gives us strength to persevere. God's blessings are our true riches.

Application: Lord, help me to know what is valuable; help me to persevere under trial.
One Word: Love God; receive a crown of life