5. What, in the parable, did God say to the rich man who thought to build larger barns in which to store his goods?
“But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?” Luke 12:20.
6. How does James say the rich have lived?
“Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.” James 5:5.
Note.—This indicates that they have lived in luxury and for pleasure, quite heedless of the needs of the poor and of the great world about them. They have lived simply to have a good time themselves, with no thought of their responsibility to God or to their fellow men.
7. Who gives men the power to get wealth?
“But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is He that giveth thee power to get wealth.” Deut. 8:18.
8. How does James say the rich have treated the just?
“Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you.” James 5:6.
Note.—There is nothing more rapacious and heartless than greed, or covetousness. To obtain its ends, it disregards the rights, the welfare, and even the lives of those affected by its merciless schemes and intrigues. The righteous, or just, however, do not make forcible resistance to this unjust treatment.