⁶You have condemned and put to death the righteous man; he does not resist you.

Death by being overworked and underpaid—that’s how many commentators understand this verse. This, as it were, is the ultimate power the rich have over the poor: complete control over their lives. James is continuing his acerbic denunciation of the rich and powerful who take advantage of others. Keep in mind that in Roman times there were no labor unions or workplace laws to protect workers. There was no social net, like unemployment insurance, government-funded welfare, or Medicaid. Among the Jews, the situation was not much different: the rich had a disproportionate amount of power and influence because of their wealth.

Some English Bibles translate the word dikaion here as “innocent men,” but the NASB captures the literal meaning, “righteous.” James is referring here to believers who are walking in integrity by faith. He could very well be referring to members of his Christian readership being dragged into court by the wealthy (James 2:6). In addressing those who are doing the dragging, presumably also professing Christians, he describes the victims of their actions. Their prey are not simply those who choose not to defend themselves (as in turning the other cheek), but those who cannot defend themselves. They are powerless and at the mercy of those more powerful. Implied also is that these victims have done nothing to deserve this kind of treatment.

Through their connections with other powerful people, the wealthy can drag the poor into court (James 2:6) and, as it were, squeeze the last ounce of bitter juice from the lemon. Even today, those with great wealth can terrorize others by initiating legal action against those who have no resources to fight expensive litigation. Money not only talks, it controls the economic well-being of others.

When a person is stripped of what little he has, the suffering is immense. Loss of income, health insurance, medical care, ability to provide the necessities of life. Some turn to bankruptcy, some to the streets, some to drugs and alcohol. Death comes in many forms, including loss of emotional and psychological well-being, not to mention ultimately one’s physical life.

Yes, James rails against those who use wealth as a lethal weapon with no moral compass or empathy for others. We might include here anyone who ignores the needs of others and holds back what he could give to help others.

Lord, search my heart and show me any callousness or selfishness that harms other people.