Charles Ellicott Commentary James 1:9

"But let the brother of low degree glory in his high estate:" — James 1:9 (ASV)

Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted (or, better, in his exaltation). — There is no praise from plain St. James for the pride which apes humility, nor the affectation which loves to be despised. If it pleases God to “exalt,” as of old, “the humble and meek,” then anew should be sung a magnificat to Him. The lowly-minded doubt of the Virgin Mary, How shall this be? (Luke 1:24), was not reproved by the angel; while the question of blunt incredulity on the part of Zacharias was severely punished (Luke 1:20), and this diverse treatment thus experienced was deserved in either case. Both doubted, yet quite differently, and she of the lower degree rejoiced most in God her Saviour for regarding the lowliness of His handmaiden (Luke 1:47–48).

Willingness, then, for Christ’s service, whether it be great or little, is the right condition of mind for all disciples, and especially the young, with readiness, indeed gladness, for “duty in that state of life unto which it shall please God to call them.” Pleasure will be naturally felt by most at the prospect of a rise in the world; but there are some finer spirits who would gladly shrink from anything like exaltation; and to these the kindly Apostle writes that they may take heart, and not fear the greater dangers which of necessity accompany a higher call.

On verses 9-11:

Lowly-mindedness is the subject of the next paragraph. There is wide misapprehension of our state of trial: the poor and humble are apt to forget the honour thus granted to them, worthier in truth than the wealth of this world, which quickly fades away; and the rich and noble are often unmindful of the true source of their dignity, and that unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required (Luke 12:48).