James 5

James pronounces a sharp warning on “the rich” who have hoarded wealth, defrauded their laborers, and lived in self-indulgence, whose miseries are coming, for “the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord.” Then he calls the church to patience “until the coming of the Lord,” like a farmer waiting for the crop, establishing their hearts, “for the coming of the Lord is at hand” and “the Judge is standing at the door.” He points to the prophets and to Job as examples of steadfastness, and to “the purpose of the Lord,” who is “compassionate and merciful.” He urges them not to swear but to let their “yes” be yes; to pray when suffering, sing when cheerful, and, when sick, to call the elders to pray and anoint with oil, for “the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick.” He commends confession and mutual prayer, noting that “the prayer of a righteous person has great power,” as with Elijah, and closes by urging them to bring back any who wander from the truth, for whoever does so “will save his soul from death.”