(9)               James uses the word lowly or humble referring to a “brother.”  He is speaking of a believer as humble and how this person is truly in a “high position” in Christ.  A Believer has a new dignity and worth.  There is also the honor of being persecuted for the Name of Christ (Acts 5:41).  “To endure persecution for Christ’s sake lifts a believer to a position of honor that more than offsets their poverty.” (NIV Commentary)

(10)           Here James does not specifically say the rich person is a believer.  Many insist that he is not, however, in the context of vs. 9 we may consider the same persecution for Christ as the object.  If a rich believer is persecuted for Christ, his riches can not help him and he is truly humbled through the persecution.  His riches do not give him any benefits in God’s eyes – even his life will wither away like a flower in the sun (Is. 40:6-8).

(11)           A sobering and humiliating statement to the rich.  The heat of the sun will burn the flower and it will fall (could be like the garments of the rich).  In fact, the rich man himself will just fade away, even while he goes about his normal course of life.

(12)           James concludes his section of trials and the testing of faith with a promise of the reward given to those who stand the test.  James used the term “blessed is the man” which comes from his Old Testament familiarity and from Jesus’ teaching in Matt. 5:3-11.  Blessed is a term of religious joy that is a benefit of salvation.  The person who does not give up in the face of circumstances and remains strong in faith knows that God is in control.  Perseverance in trials results in approval from God that our faith is genuine and He bestows upon us the “crown of life.”  James refers to an athletic award “crown” rather than a kingly crown.  This award is subsequent to the initial faith that guarantees eternal life and therefore must relate to some higher quality of life, something more than salvation or in addition to it.