1Now listen,1 you rich people,2 weep and wail3 because of the misery that is coming on you.
2Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes.1
3Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days.1
4Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers1 who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries2 of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.3
5You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves1 in the day of slaughter.a2
6You have condemned and murdered1 the innocent one,2 who was not opposing you.
7Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming.1 See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting2 for the autumn and spring rains.3
8You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming1 is near.2
9Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters,1 or you will be judged. The Judge2 is standing at the door!3
10Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets1 who spoke in the name of the Lord.
11As you know, we count as blessed1 those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance2 and have seen what the Lord finally brought about.3 The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.4
12Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise you will be condemned.1
13Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray.1 Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.2
14Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders1 of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil2 in the name of the Lord.
15And the prayer offered in faith1 will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.
16Therefore confess your sins1 to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.2 The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.3
17Elijah was a human being, even as we are.1 He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.2
18Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.1
19My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth1 and someone should bring that person back,2
20remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save1 them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.2