James 5

Now listen, you rich people. Weep and wail for the misery that's coming on you.

Your wealth has rotted and moths have eaten your clothes.

Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and eat your flesh like fire. You've hoarded wealth in the last days.

Look — the wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.

You've lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You've fattened yourselves for the day of slaughter.

You've condemned and murdered the innocent one, who wasn't opposing you.

So be patient, brothers and sisters, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains.

You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near.

Don't grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you'll be judged. The Judge is standing at the door.

Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

As you know, we count as blessed those who've persevered. You've heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

Above all, my brothers and sisters, don't swear an oath — not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple yes or no. Otherwise you'll be condemned.

Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.

Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.

And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well. The Lord will raise them up. If they've sinned, they'll be forgiven.

So confess your sins to each other and pray for each other, so you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Elijah was a human being, just like us. He prayed hard that it wouldn't rain, and it didn't rain on the land for three and a half years.

Then he prayed again, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.

My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone brings them back,

remember this: whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.