Verse Text (ESV) Summary / Commentary 1 Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. A sharp rebuke to the wealthy who oppress others; warning of impending judgment. 2 Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. Earthly wealth is temporary and deteriorates. It cannot save in the day of judgment. 3 Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days. Hoarding wealth instead of using it righteously leads to spiritual ruin and condemnation. 4 Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. God hears the cries of the oppressed. Justice is coming for those who exploit workers. 5 You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. ...