The phenomenon of laborers—people who work for wages—is not new in human history. Even in the Bible, the existence of laborers and their problems have been recorded quite clearly. One text that highlights this sharply is James 5:4, where the withholding of laborers' wages becomes a strong criticism of capital owners. This article will examine the concept of laborers in the Bible, examine the roots of the problem, and explore the theological solutions offered by the biblical narrative.
In the Bible, laborers are people who work for wages, different from slaves who are forced to work without compensation and are even considered property. Laborers have rights to the fruits of their labor, while slaves have no rights whatsoever to themselves. In the Old Testament, both groups already existed. However, at the beginning of creation as depicted in the story of Cain and Abel, everyone worked on the basis of ownership of their own resources. There were no laborers or slaves, because everyone was given an equal share. This concept continued when Israel entered the land of Canaan, where the land was divided equally based on tribe and family.
Inequality began to emerge due to various factors such as natural disasters (such as famine), failure to manage resources, laziness, or incompetence. As a result, some people lost their property, while others accumulated more wealth. This inequality gave rise to the need for a labor system, where some people were forced to work for others in order to survive.
James 5:4 and Injustice Against Workers
“Behold, the wages you withhold from the workers who harvest your fields cry out against you, and the cry of those who reap your harvest reaches the ears of the Lord Almighty.” (James 5:4 ESV)
James speaks out strongly against the practice of withholding workers’ wages, a practice that causes misery for day laborers who live off their wages. This was not a new issue in James’ day. In many pre-exilic prophets, such as Isaiah and Amos, calls for social justice have long been heard, including condemnations of economic injustice. There are two important points to note in this context:
- The problem of labor injustice is old: James continues the prophets’ call to defend the weak and denounce oppression.
- James’ theological position is on the side of labor: Like the prophets before him, James speaks from and for the oppressed, indicating biblical solidarity with the underclass.
The Bible’s Solution: Heart and Paradigm Transformation, Not Just System Reform
James 5 contains a strong condemnation and threat of divine judgment against injustice, but the Bible goes on to offer a more fundamental solution: Heart transformation. Not merely a change in the social or economic system, but a change in the moral paradigm of the individual.
In contrast to the solutions offered by history such as communism—which emphasizes system transformation through working-class revolution—the Bible proposes inner change. Two important aspects of this transformation include: First, the Spirit of Generosity in Wages (Matthew 20:1–16). In the parable of the workers in the vineyard, Jesus illustrates that all workers, even though they start work at different times, receive the same wages. The principle offered is not based on the duration or performance of the work, but on the needs and generosity of the owner. This teaches that employers should view workers not only on their productivity, but on their human value and life needs. This principle is contrary to the logic of modern meritocratic wages.
Second, the Spirit of Brotherhood between Workers and Employers (1 Timothy 6:1–2). Paul proposed a paradigm transformation, he advised that the relationship between master and servant in the context of Christianity be changed from a relationship of domination to a relationship of brotherhood. Workers and employers are no longer positioned in a relationship of power and subordination, but in a relationship of respect and love as fellow brothers and sisters in faith. This requires mental and social transformation: from a transactional relationship to a personal and spiritual relationship.
The reality of the modern world of work, both in factories and offices, still leaves major challenges regarding justice for workers and laborers. Although cases of wage withholding are rare, issues regarding living wages, fair treatment, and work-life balance remain unresolved global struggles.
How do we apply the principle of justice for workers according to the teachings of the Bible in today's world of work?
