James

5.1-20

Note the similar accusative style in the opening five verses compared to those of the previous chapter. Both condemnations, (of quarreling, conflict, lust, and envy in chapter four, and of faith placed in riches in chapter five), place the offender at odds with the Lord Yahweh. James continues following this literary method to deliver his critical message. In both chapters, verse six cites Proverbs 3:34 in response to the offenses - "Though He scoffs at the scoffers, Yet He gives grace to the humble" (God resists the proud). Both examples are the foundations for his remedies and admonitions as we read "therefore" in verse seven of each chapter. In chapter four, James warned us of running out of time to accomplish the good and right will of the Lord (vv4:15,17). "Therefore," we must draw near to God and humble ourselves in His presence (vv4:8,10). Here in chapter five, James repeats the fleeting nature of time, twice citing the "coming of the Lord" (vv5:7-8), and emphatically warns, "Behold, the Judge is standing right at the door" (v5:9). James desperately appeals for us to look to the prophets' example. In Job, we see the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful (v5:11). Elijah shows us the effectiveness of prayer (v5:16). James finally encourages those who would respond to what must be his greatest concern - those who have strayed from the truth (vv5:19-20). With his last words citing Proverbs 10:12, he sums up his epistle - "Hatred stirs up conflicts, but love covers all offenses."

CHAPTER 5

Miseries of the Rich

1 Come now, you rich, cry, howling over your miseries which are coming upon you.
2 Your riches have rotted and your garments have become moth-eaten.
3 Your gold and your silver have rusted, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will consume your flesh like fire. You have stored up such treasure in the last days!
4 Behold, the pay of the laborers who mowed your fields—that which has been withheld by you—cries out against you; and the outcries of those who did the harvesting have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth.
5 You have lived luxuriously on the earth and lived in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a DAY OF SLAUGHTER.
6 You have condemned and murdered the righteous man; he does not resist you.

Patience and Perseverance

7 Therefore be patient, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the soil, being patient about it, until it receives the early and late rains.
8 You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
9 Do not groan, brothers, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged. Behold, the Judge is standing dright at the door.
10 As an example, brothers, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
11 Behold, we count those blessed who persevere. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.
12 But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your yes be yes, and your no, no, so that you may not fall under judgment.
13 Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises.
14 Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
15 And the prayer offered in faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him.
16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.
17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months.
18 Then he prayed again, and the sky gave rain and the earth produced its fruit.
19 My brothers, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back,
20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will COVER A MULTITUDE OF SINS.