What is the meaning of the fact that wealth seems to slip into the hands of fewer and fewer while more and more fall into poverty?

“You have hoarded wealth in the last days.”
—James 5:3.

Despite all our economic insights, despite gross national products in the West that boggle the mind, the rich keep getting richer and the poor poorer. In the 90’s we witnessed a veritable orgy of junk bond dealing and leveraged buyouts as individuals bought and sold corporations like used cars. The result: an incredible mass of “hoarded wealth” for a few, plant closings and layoffs for many. The multi-million dollar fortunes made as a result of a few transactions are another signpost that show us that “the Lord’s coming is near” (verse 8), that the world is rushing toward the Second Coming of Christ.

Signpost 4—Civil Unrest.

Why have discontent and unrest among employees risen so dramatically in spite of technological advance and accumulated wealth?

“Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. THE CRIES OF THE HARVESTERS [WORKERS] have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. Be patient and stand firm, because THE LORD’S COMING IS NEAR.”
—James 5:4, 8.

After predicting an unparalleled piling up of wealth in our day, James foresaw civil unrest arising from discontented workers. The tension between the “haves” and the “have-not’s” continues to increase. An ominous streak of anarchy lies just below the surface in the great cities of the world. James indicates that such attitudes are another sign that “the Lord’s coming is near.”