James 5:1–12

Warning to Rich Oppressors

5Now listen,^l you rich people,^m weep and wailⁿ because of the misery that is coming on you. ²Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes.^{o 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.^{p 4}Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers^q who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries^r of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.^{s 5}You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves^t in the day of slaughter.^{au 6}You have condemned and murdered^v the innocent one,^w who was not opposing you.

Patience in Suffering

⁷Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming.^x See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting^y for the autumn and spring rains.^{z 8}You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming^a is near.^{b 9}Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters,^c or you will be judged. The Judge^d is standing at the door!^e

¹⁰Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets^f who spoke in the name of the Lord. ¹¹As you know, we count as blessed^g those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance^h and have seen what the Lord finally brought about.ⁱ The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.^j

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.^k