James 5:1-15

Warning to Rich Oppressors

1 Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you.
2 Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes.
3 Your 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.
4 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.
5 You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter.[a]
6 You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you.

Patience in Suffering

7 Be patient, then, 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.
8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.
9 Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
10 Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
11 As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
12 Above 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.

The Prayer of Faith

13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.
14 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.
15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.

Images for James 5:1-15

Cross References 31

  • 1. James 4:13
  • 2. Luke 6:24; 1 Timothy 6:9; James 2:2-6
  • 3. Isaiah 13:6; Ezekiel 30:2
  • 4. Job 13:28; Psalms 39:11; Isaiah 50:9; Matthew 6:19,20
  • 5. ver 7,8
  • 6. Leviticus 19:13; Jeremiah 22:13; Malachi 3:5
  • 7. Deuteronomy 24:15
  • 8. Romans 9:29
  • 9. Ezekiel 16:49; Amos 6:1; Luke 16:19
  • 10. Jeremiah 12:3; Jeremiah 25:34
  • 11. James 4:2
  • 12. Hebrews 10:38
  • 13. S 1 Corinthians 1:7
  • 14. Galatians 6:9
  • 15. Deuteronomy 11:14; Jeremiah 5:24; Joel 2:23
  • 16. S 1 Corinthians 1:7
  • 17. S Romans 13:11; 1 Peter 4:7
  • 18. James 4:11
  • 19. Psalms 94:2; 1 Corinthians 4:5; James 4:12; 1 Peter 4:5
  • 20. Matthew 24:33
  • 21. S Matthew 5:12
  • 22. Matthew 5:10
  • 23. Job 1:21,22; Job 2:10; S Hebrews 10:36
  • 24. Job 42:10,12-17
  • 25. Exodus 34:6; Numbers 14:18; Psalms 103:8
  • 26. Matthew 5:34-37
  • 27. Psalms 50:15
  • 28. Colossians 3:16
  • 29. S Acts 11:30
  • 30. Psalms 23:5; Isaiah 1:6; Mark 6:13; Mark 16:18; Luke 10:34
  • 31. James 1:6

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Or "yourselves as in a day of feasting"
Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.