Those Who Are Rich, Part 9

"that they be rich" -- to be or become prosperous, materially wealthy.  Earlier in this chapter, verse 9 uses it to describe those who "would be rich"--in other words, those who want to become wealthy.  In Revelation 18:3, 15, & 19 it describes merchants profiting from their transactions.  In the passage we are considering, however, Paul is not referring to increasing material wealth.  Rather, those who already have it are to use it to increase in something else--namely, good works.

"in good works" -- the Greek word translated as "works" is the same one as in the preceding phrase, "that they do good".  However, the word translated as "good" here is a different one that properly means "beautiful".  It emphasizes the valuable or virtuous qualities of that to which it is applied.  For example, in Matthew 7:17-18, the former word for "good" refers to the tree being intrinsically good.  The tree is good in and of itself, which is why it bears good fruit.  However, this word for good describes the fruit itself, which may have a pleasing appearance and is nourishing when eaten.  The point is that we are to habitually labor at doing that which is beneficial and pleasant.