James warns the rich that they must be careful about those who have worked underneath them. They might think because of their position they could mistreat them. People being cheated of their wages is nothing new. They would agree to do a job for a certain task, accomplish it, and then not be paid their due. It is even sadder when the one who withholds the wages could afford to pay, while the laborer now must find a way to scrape by. He has no more money, and just wasted a day of work. The Lord hears the laborers cry and will bring judgment upon their oppressors.

We too must avoid mistreating people. It can be accomplished in many ways. We may hurt them financially, sure, but there are other weapons we may use as well. We may attack someone with our words. Gossiping and slandering someone can cause more damage than withholding wages ever could. We can insult them, preying on their emotional weaknesses. The ways to oppress and cheat others are limited only to our imagination. But God will hear the cry of those we oppress, no matter the means we may use.

There is also a message of hope in this warning. If we are facing oppression ourselves, we know we are not left alone. Many times when we face such trials, it is easy to get discouraged and angry. However, we are assured that God is listening to our prayers. He cares about us. Whatever others are doing to us, we know we can make it through. He will provide a way. He cares about what is going on. On top of that, we do not have to take matters into our own hands. Instead we can leave such judgment up to the Lord.