Study Desk

Warning to Rich Oppressors

Now listen,^(a) you rich people,^(b) weep and wail^(c) because of the misery that is coming on you.

Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes.^(d)

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.^(e)

Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers^(f) who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries^(g) of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.^(h)

You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves⁽ⁱ⁾ in the day of slaughter.^[a](j)

You have condemned and murdered^(k) the innocent one,^(l) who was not opposing you.

Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord's coming.^(m) See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting⁽ⁿ⁾ for the autumn and spring rains.^(o)

You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming^(p) is near.^(q)

Don't grumble against one another, brothers and sisters,^(r) or you will be judged. The Judge^(s) is standing at the door!^(t)

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

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

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.^(z)

Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray.^(aa) Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.^(ab)

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

And the prayer offered in faith^(ae) will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.

Therefore confess your sins^(af) to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.^(ag) The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.^(ah)

Elijah was a human being, even as we are.^(ai) He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.^(aj)

Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.^(ak)

My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth^(al) and someone should bring that person back,^(am)

remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save^(an) them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.^(ao)