5:2 Your riches are corrupted. Even their riches in which they trusted are corrupted, or spoiled. Much of the wealth of that period was in stores of various kinds which time or improper care would destroy.
Your garments are motheaten. The rich gathered great stores of garments, carpets, etc. See Mt 22:11,12. These would be liable to be eaten by moths if not used.
5:2 The riches of the ancients consisted much in large stores of corn, and of costly apparel.
5:1-6 Public troubles are most grievous to those who live in pleasure, and are secure and sensual, though all ranks suffer deeply at such times. All idolized treasures will soon perish, except as they will rise up in judgment against their possessors. Take heed of defrauding and oppressing; and avoid the very appearance of it. God does not forbid us to use lawful pleasures; but to live in pleasure, especially sinful pleasure, is a provoking sin. Is it no harm for people to unfit themselves for minding the concerns of their souls, by indulging bodily appetites? The just may be condemned and killed; but when such suffer by oppressors, this is marked by God. Above all their other crimes, the Jews had condemned and crucified that Just One who had come among them, even Jesus Christ the righteous.
