James 5:7-12

KJV ⁷ Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. ⁸ Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. ⁹ Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door. ¹⁰ Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. ¹¹ Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. ¹² But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation. CEV ⁷ My friends, be patient until the Lord returns. Think of farmers who wait patiently for the autumn and spring rains to make their valuable crops grow. ⁸ Be patient like those farmers and don't give up. The Lord will soon be here! ⁹ Don't grumble about each other or you will be judged, and the judge is right outside the door. ¹⁰ My friends, follow the example of the prophets who spoke for the Lord. They were patient, even when they had to suffer. ¹¹ In fact, we praise the ones who endured the most. You remember how patient Job was and how the Lord finally helped him. The Lord did this because he is so merciful and kind. ¹² My friends, above all else, don't take an oath. You must not swear by heaven or by earth or by anything else. “Yes” or “No” is all you need to say. If you say anything more, you will be condemned.

COMMENTARY

Verse 7

James 5:7

KJV ⁷ Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. CEV ⁷ My friends, be patient until the Lord returns. Think of farmers who wait patiently for the autumn and spring rains to make their valuable crops grow.

Be patient.

In view of the ultimate vindication of the righteous at the return of Christ, James urges his fellow believers to be long-suffering under provocation and not to lose their courage. The perspective of the shortness of earth’s troubles compared with the unending joy of eternal life has always been a source of encouragement to the upright in heart.

Therefore.

Some may be in danger of slipping spiritually because they see the earthly prosperity of the wicked (cf. Psalm 73:2-3

KJV ² But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. ³ For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. CEV ² But I almost stumbled and fell, ³ because it made me jealous to see proud and evil people and to watch them prosper.
). Others may lose their courage under the incessant oppression of the rich (see James 2:6

KJV ⁶ But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? CEV ⁶ You mistreat the poor. But isn't it the rich who boss you around and drag you off to court?
; James 5:6

KJV ⁶ Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you. CEV ⁶ You have condemned and murdered innocent people, who couldn't even fight back.
). However, the certainty of the judgment to come and the vindication of the righteous (see on Romans 2:6

KJV ⁶ Who will render to every man according to his deeds: CEV ⁶ God will reward each of us for what we have done.
) constitute an ample reason for renewed courage.

Coming.

Gr. parousia, “presence,” “arrival” (see on Matthew 24:3

KJV ³ And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? CEV (Mark 13.
3-13; Luke 21.
7-19) ³ Later, as Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, his disciples came to him in private and asked, “When will this happen? What will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the world?”
). Paul describes the coming advent as “that blessed hope” (Titus 2:13

KJV ¹³ Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; CEV ¹³ We are filled with hope, as we wait for the glorious return of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.
). In that day the righteous will be recompensed (Luke 14:14

KJV ¹⁴ And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just. CEV ¹⁴ They cannot pay you back. But God will bless you and reward you when his people rise from death.
).

Husbandman.

Or, “farmer.” Compare Christ’s analogy that likens the end of the world to a harvest (see on Matthew 13:30

KJV ³⁰ Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn. CEV ³⁰ Leave the weeds alone until harvest time. Then I'll tell my workers to gather the weeds and tie them up and burn them. But I'll order them to store the wheat in my barn.”
; Matthew 24:32

KJV ³² Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: CEV (Mark 13.
28-31; Luke 21.
29-33) ³² Learn a lesson from a fig tree. When its branches sprout and start putting out leaves, you know summer is near.
).

Precious.

That is, dear, valuable.

Long patience.

After the seed has been planted, the farmer can do no more than patiently wait for the growth of the seed. The Christian must expect to have troubles and trials even as a farmer has his troubles and trials in raising a crop.

He.

Or, “it.” Either a reference to the “fruit” receiving the rain or to the farmer who regards the rain as a blessing from God.

Early and latter rain.

Textual evidence favors (cf. p. 10) the omission of “rain.” However, “rain” is undoubtedly understood (see Jeremiah 5:24

KJV ²⁴ Neither say they in their heart, Let us now fear the Lord our God, that giveth rain, both the former and the latter, in his season: he reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest. CEV ²⁴ You refuse to say, “Let's worship the Lord! He's the one who sends rain in spring and autumn and gives us a good harvest.”
; Hosea 6:3

KJV ³ Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth. CEV ³ Let's do our best to know the Lord. His coming is as certain as the morning sun; he will refresh us like rain renewing the earth in the springtime.
; Joel 2:23

KJV ²³ Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month. CEV ²³ People of Zion, celebrate in honor of the Lord your God! He is generous and has sent the autumn and spring rains in the proper seasons.
; see on Deuteronomy 11:14

KJV ¹⁴ That I will give you the rain of your land in his due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil. CEV ^14-15 he will send rain at the right seasons, so you will have more than enough food, wine, and olive oil, and there will be plenty of grass for your cattle.
). The farmer must be patient for both rains, for without either there would be no crop.

Verse 8

James 5:8

KJV ⁸ Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. CEV ⁸ Be patient like those farmers and don't give up. The Lord will soon be here!

Also.

This admonition is based on the illustration in v. 7. If men are willing to yield to the Lord’s method of seed planting, growth, and harvest, they should be equally willing to submit to His guidance in bringing the spiritual harvest of the world to completion (see Matthew 13:39

KJV ³⁹ The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. CEV ³⁹ and the one who scattered them is the devil. The harvest is the end of time, and angels are the ones who bring in the harvest.
).

Stablish.

Gr. stêrizô, “to set fast,” “to brace,” “to make stable.” God strengthens the heart (see 1 Thessalonians 3:13

KJV ¹³ To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints. CEV ¹³ And when our Lord comes with all his people, I pray he will make your hearts pure and innocent in the sight of God the Father.
), but He asks us to cooperate with Him in that work.

Coming.

See on James 5:7

KJV ⁷ Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. CEV ⁷ My friends, be patient until the Lord returns. Think of farmers who wait patiently for the autumn and spring rains to make their valuable crops grow.
.

Draweth nigh.

Gr. eggizö, “to come near,” “to approach.” Although Jesus said that no man knows the “day and hour” of His second advent. He encouraged Christians to understand the times and to “know” when the advent draws near (see on Matthew 24:36

KJV ³⁶ But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. CEV (Mark 13.
32-37; Luke 17.
26-30,34-36) ³⁶ No one knows the day or hour. The angels in heaven don't know, and the Son himself doesn't know. Only the Father knows.
). Christ admonished His disciples ever to be in readiness for His return, and devout Christians in all ages have treasured the hope that His advent might be near in their day. See Additional Note on Rom. 13.

Verse 9

James 5:9

KJV ⁹ Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door. CEV ⁹ Don't grumble about each other or you will be judged, and the judge is right outside the door.

Grudge.

Gr. stenazö, “to groan,” “to sigh.” A groan “against another” would be a half-suppressed murmur of impatience or condemnation.

One against another.

Having exhorted his readers to patience in bearing the wrongs of the oppressive rich (see v. 7), the apostle now exhorts them to be long-suffering toward one another. Christians who bear courageously the more severe injustices sometimes become impatient with lesser problems within the church. Christians need the encouragement of their brethren as they endure affliction.

Condemned.

Gr. krinö, “to judge.” See on Romans 2:1

KJV ¹ Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. CEV ¹ Some of you accuse others of doing wrong. But there is no excuse for what you do. When you judge others, you condemn yourselves, because you are guilty of doing the very same things.
; cf. Matthew 7:1-5

KJV ¹ Judge not, that ye be not judged. ² For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. ³ And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? ⁴ Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? ⁵ Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye. CEV (Luke 6.
37,38,41,42) ¹ Don't condemn others, and God won't condemn you. ² God will be as hard on you as you are on others! He will treat you exactly as you treat them. ³ You can see the speck in your friend's eye, but you don't notice the log in your own eye. ⁴ How can you say, “My friend, let me take the speck out of your eye,” when you don't see the log in your own eye? ⁵ You're nothing but show-offs! First, take the log out of your own eye; then you can see how to take the speck out of your friend's eye.
. To grumble and to find fault is as serious a shortcoming as overt condemnation, and reveals an unloving, contentious spirit.

Judge.

That is, the Lord Jesus (cf. Philippians 4:5

KJV ⁵ Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. CEV ⁵ Always be gentle with others. The Lord will soon be here.
; James 5:8

KJV ⁸ Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. CEV ⁸ Be patient like those farmers and don't give up. The Lord will soon be here!
). The Father has committed the judgment of this world to Him (see on John 5:22

KJV ²² For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: CEV ²² The Father doesn't judge anyone, but he has made his Son the judge of everyone.
, John 5:27

KJV ²⁷ And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. CEV ²⁷ And he has given his Son the right to judge everyone, because he is the Son of Man.
; Acts 10:42

KJV ⁴² And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. CEV ⁴² God told us to announce clearly to the people that Jesus is the one he has chosen to judge the living and the dead.
).

Standeth.

The Greek implies that the Lord is standing, at the very moment, at the door (cf. James 5:8

KJV ⁸ Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. CEV ⁸ Be patient like those farmers and don't give up. The Lord will soon be here!
; see on Matthew 24:33

KJV ³³ So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. CEV ³³ So when you see all these things happening, you will know the time has almost come.
). James here emphasized the immediacy of the advent and that the times demand a prepared character to meet the Lord. There is no time for finding fault with others.

Verse 10

James 5:10

KJV ¹⁰ Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. CEV ¹⁰ My friends, follow the example of the prophets who spoke for the Lord. They were patient, even when they had to suffer.

Take ... for an example.

Gr. hupodeigma lambano, “to take as an example for copying.”

Prophets.

Compare Matthew 5:12

KJV ¹² Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. CEV ¹² Be happy and excited! You will have a great reward in heaven. People did these same things to the prophets who lived long ago.
; Hebrews 11:1-40

KJV ¹ Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. ² For by it the elders obtained a good report. ³ Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. ⁴ By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. ⁵ By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. ⁶ But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. ⁷ By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. ⁸ By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. ⁹ By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: ¹⁰ For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. ¹¹ Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. ¹² Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable. ¹³ These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. ¹⁴ For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. ¹⁵ And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. ¹⁶ But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. ¹⁷ By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, ¹⁸ Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: ¹⁹ Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure. ²⁰ By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. ²¹ By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. ²² By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones. ²³ By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment. ²⁴ By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; ²⁵ Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; ²⁶ Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. ²⁷ By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. ²⁸ Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. ²⁹ By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned. ³⁰ By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days. ³¹ By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. ³² And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: ³³ Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions. ³⁴ Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. ³⁵ Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: ³⁶ And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: ³⁷ They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; ³⁸ (Of whom the world was not worthy: ) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. ³⁹ And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: ⁴⁰ God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. CEV ¹ Faith makes us sure of what we hope for and gives us proof of what we cannot see. ² It was their faith that made our ancestors pleasing to God. ³ Because of our faith, we know that the world was made at God's command. We also know that what can be seen was made out of what cannot be seen. ⁴ Because Abel had faith, he offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. God was pleased with him and his gift, and even though Abel is now dead, his faith still speaks for him. ⁵ Enoch had faith and did not die. He pleased God, and God took him up to heaven. This is why his body was never found. ⁶ But without faith no one can please God. We must believe that God is real and rewards everyone who searches for him. ⁷ Because Noah had faith, he was warned about something that had not yet happened. He obeyed and built a boat that saved him and his family. In this way the people of the world were judged, and Noah was given the blessings that come to everyone who pleases God. ⁸ Abraham had faith and obeyed God. He was told to go to the land that God had said would be his, and he left for a country he had never seen. ⁹ Because Abraham had faith, he lived as a stranger in the promised land. He lived there in a tent, and so did Isaac and Jacob, who were later given the same promise. ¹⁰ Abraham did this, because he was waiting for the eternal city God had planned and built. ¹¹ Even when Sarah was too old to have children, she had faith that God would do what he had promised, and she had a son. ¹² Her husband Abraham was almost dead, but he became the ancestor of many people. In fact, there are as many of them as there are stars in the sky or grains of sand along the seashore. ¹³ Every one of those people died. But they still had faith, even though they had not received what they had been promised. They were glad just to see these things from far away, and they agreed that they were only strangers and foreigners on this earth. ¹⁴ When people talk this way, it is clear they are looking for a place to call their own. ¹⁵ If they had been talking about the land where they had once lived, they could have gone back at any time. ¹⁶ But they were looking forward to a better home in heaven. This is why God wasn't ashamed for them to call him their God. He even built a city for them. ^17-18 Abraham had been promised that Isaac, his only son, would continue his family. But when Abraham was tested, he had faith and was willing to sacrifice Isaac, ¹⁹ because he was sure that God could raise people to life. This was just like getting Isaac back from death. ²⁰ Isaac had faith, and he promised blessings to Jacob and Esau. ²¹ Later, when Jacob was about to die, he leaned on his walking stick and worshiped. Then because of his faith he blessed each of Joseph's sons. ²² And right before Joseph died, he had faith that God would lead the people of Israel out of Egypt. So he told them to take his bones with them. ²³ Because Moses' parents had faith, they kept him hidden until he was three months old. They saw that he was a beautiful child, and they were not afraid to disobey the king's orders. ²⁴ Then after Moses grew up, his faith made him refuse to be called the king's grandson. ²⁵ He chose to be mistreated with God's people instead of having the good time that sin could bring for a little while. ²⁶ Moses knew that the treasures of Egypt were not as wonderful as what he would receive from suffering for the Messiah, and he looked forward to his reward. ²⁷ Because of his faith, Moses left Egypt. Moses had seen the invisible God and wasn't afraid of the king's anger. ²⁸ His faith also made him celebrate Passover. He sprinkled the blood of animals on the doorposts, so that the first-born sons of the people of Israel would not be killed by the destroying angel. ²⁹ Because of their faith, the people walked through the Red Sea on dry land. But when the Egyptians tried to do it, they were drowned. ³⁰ God's people had faith, and when they had walked around the city of Jericho for seven days, its walls fell down. ³¹ Rahab had been a prostitute, but she had faith and welcomed the spies. So she wasn't killed with the people who disobeyed. ³² What else can I say? There isn't enough time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets. ³³ Their faith helped them conquer kingdoms, and because they did right, God made promises to them. They closed the jaws of lions ³⁴ and put out raging fires and escaped from the swords of their enemies. Although they were weak, they were given the strength and power to chase foreign armies away. ³⁵ Some women received their loved ones back from death. Many of these people were tortured, but they refused to be released. They were sure they would get a better reward when the dead are raised to life. ³⁶ Others were made fun of and beaten with whips, and some were chained in jail. ³⁷ Still others were stoned to death or sawed in two or killed with swords. Some had nothing but sheep skins or goat skins to wear. They were poor, mistreated, and tortured. ³⁸ The world did not deserve these good people, who had to wander in deserts and on mountains and had to live in caves and holes in the ground. ³⁹ All of them pleased God because of their faith! But still they died without being given what had been promised. ⁴⁰ This was because God had something better in store for us. And he did not want them to reach the goal of their faith without us.
and Hebrews 12:1-11

KJV ¹ Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, ² Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. ⁴ Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. ⁵ And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: ⁶ For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. ⁷ If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? ⁸ But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. ⁹ Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? ¹⁰ For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. ¹¹ Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. CEV ¹ Such a large crowd of witnesses is all around us! So we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially the sin that just won't let go. And we must be determined to run the race that is ahead of us. ² We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete. He endured the shame of being nailed to a cross, because he knew later on he would be glad he did. Now he is seated at the right side of God's throne! ³ So keep your mind on Jesus, who put up with many insults from sinners. Then you won't get discouraged and give up. ⁴ None of you have yet been hurt in your battle against sin. ⁵ But you have forgotten that the Scriptures say to God's children, “When the Lord punishes you, don't make light of it, and when he corrects you, don't be discouraged. ⁶ The Lord corrects the people he loves and disciplines those he calls his own.” ⁷ Be patient when you are being corrected! This is how God treats his children. Don't all parents correct their children? ⁸ God corrects all his children, and if he doesn't correct you, then you don't really belong to him. ⁹ Our earthly fathers correct us, and we still respect them. Isn't it even better to be given true life by letting our spiritual Father correct us? ¹⁰ Our human fathers correct us for a short time, and they do it as they think best. But God corrects us for our own good, because he wants us to be holy, as he is. ¹¹ It is never fun to be corrected. In fact, at the time it is always painful. But if we learn to obey by being corrected, we will do right and live at peace.
. The persistent courage of others who endured faithfully under similar hardships brings encouragement to those who follow Furthermore, if the best of men are afflicted, other good men may expect the same (cf. Matthew 10:24-25

KJV ²⁴ The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. ²⁵ It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? CEV ²⁴ Students are not better than their teacher, and slaves are not better than their master. ²⁵ It is enough for students to be like their teacher and for slaves to be like their master. If people call the head of the family Satan, what will they say about the rest of the family?
; John 16:33

KJV ³³ These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. CEV ³³ I have told you this, so that you might have peace in your hearts because of me. While you are in the world, you will have to suffer. But cheer up! I have defeated the world.
).

Name of the Lord.

That is, by His authority and representing His person (see on Acts 3:16

KJV ¹⁶ And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. CEV ¹⁶ You see this man, and you know him. He put his faith in the name of Jesus and was made strong. Faith in Jesus made this man completely well while everyone was watching.
). James and his readers all believed that the OT consists of messages given to the prophets by God (see on 2 Timothy 3:16

KJV ¹⁶ All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: CEV ¹⁶ Everything in the Scriptures is God's Word. All of it is useful for teaching and helping people and for correcting them and showing them how to live.
; 2 Peter 1:20-21

KJV ²⁰ Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. ²¹ For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. CEV ²⁰ But you need to realize that no one alone can understand any of the prophecies in the Scriptures. ²¹ The prophets did not think these things up on their own, but they were guided by the Spirit of God.
).

Suffering affliction.

Gr. kakopatheia, “suffering of misfortune.”

Patience.

See v. 7. As the example of the suffering of the prophets should prevent our discouragement, the example of their patience should likewise encourage us to be patient.

Verse 11

James 5:11

KJV ¹¹ Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. CEV ¹¹ In fact, we praise the ones who endured the most. You remember how patient Job was and how the Lord finally helped him. The Lord did this because he is so merciful and kind.

Count ... happy.

Gr. makarizö, “to pronounce happy,” “to call blessed.” The adjective form, makarios, introduces each of the Beatitudes (see on Matthew 5:3

KJV ³ Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. CEV ³ God blesses those people who depend only on him. They belong to the kingdom of heaven!
).

Endure.

Textual evidence favors (cf. p. 10) the reading “have endured.” Constant faithfulness amid the problems of life (see on ch. 1:3) reveals an undivided loyalty to God and becomes a requisite for eternal life (see on Matthew 10:22

KJV ²² And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. CEV ²² Everyone will hate you because of me. But if you remain faithful until the end, you will be saved.
; Matthew 24:13

KJV ¹³ But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. CEV ¹³ But if you keep on being faithful right to the end, you will be saved.
). When church members are called to endure hardships, they can claim the same blessings.

Job.

Few men have been called to demonstrate their faith under more trying circumstances. Obviously the writer of the epistle considers Job a historical, not an allegorical, person.

End.

Gr. telos, “aim,” “purpose,” “goal.” Church members are urged to consider the purpose and result of the satanic trials that were inflicted on Job. The Lord permitted Satan to trouble Job in order that the splendor of Job’s tested faith might vindicate God’s judgment of Job’s sincerity. God never forsook Job, and when Job demonstrated his fidelity God rewarded him manyfold (see on Job 42:12

KJV ¹² So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses. CEV ¹² The Lord now blessed Job more than ever; he gave him 14,000 sheep, 6,000 camels, 1,000 pair of oxen, and 1,000 donkeys.
, Job 42:16

KJV ¹⁶ After this lived Job an hundred and forty years, and saw his sons, and his sons' sons, even four generations. CEV ¹⁶ Job lived for another 140 years — long enough to see his great-grandchildren have children of their own —
). Perhaps those to whom James addressed his remarks were in danger of feeling that their afflictions were a sign of God’s displeasure. If they have lost all, following Christ, they will be recompensed in the world to come (see on Matthew 19:29

KJV ²⁹ And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. CEV ²⁹ All who have given up home or brothers and sisters or father and mother or children or land for me will be given 100 times as much. They will also have eternal life.
).

Very pitiful.

Or, “largehearted.”

Tender mercy.

James encourages each church member to face the afflictions of life bravely and patiently, because God will compensate him ultimately.

Verse 12

James 5:12

KJV ¹² But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation. CEV ¹² My friends, above all else, don't take an oath. You must not swear by heaven or by earth or by anything else. “Yes” or “No” is all you need to say. If you say anything more, you will be condemned.

Above all.

James comes to the climax of his line of thought in vs. 1-11. Compare on Matthew 5:33-37

KJV ³³ Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: ³⁴ But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: ³⁵ Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. ³⁶ Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. ³⁷ But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. CEV ³³ You know our ancestors were told, “Don't use the Lord's name to make a promise unless you are going to keep it.” ³⁴ But I tell you not to swear by anything when you make a promise! Heaven is God's throne, so don't swear by heaven. ³⁵ The earth is God's footstool, so don't swear by the earth. Jerusalem is the city of the great king, so don't swear by it. ³⁶ Don't swear by your own head. You cannot make one hair white or black. ³⁷ When you make a promise, say only “Yes” or “No.” Anything else comes from the devil.
.

Swear not.

See on Matthew 5:34-37

KJV ³⁴ But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: ³⁵ Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. ³⁶ Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. ³⁷ But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. CEV ³⁴ But I tell you not to swear by anything when you make a promise! Heaven is God's throne, so don't swear by heaven. ³⁵ The earth is God's footstool, so don't swear by the earth. Jerusalem is the city of the great king, so don't swear by it. ³⁶ Don't swear by your own head. You cannot make one hair white or black. ³⁷ When you make a promise, say only “Yes” or “No.” Anything else comes from the devil.
.

Yea be yea.

When a man’s words are consistently proved true by his deeds, he will have no desire to reinforce his assertions with an oath. The rabbis declared, “The Holy One, blessed be He, said to Israel: cDo not imagine that you are permitted to swear by My name even in truth’” (Midrash Rabbah, on Numbers 30:2

KJV ² If a man vow a vow unto the Lord, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth. CEV ² When one of you men makes a promise to the Lord, you must keep your word.
f., Soncino ed., pp. 853, 854).

Condemnation. Gr. krisis, “judgment.” See on v. 9; cf. Exodus 20:7

KJV ⁷ Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. CEV ⁷ Do not misuse my name. I am the Lord your God, and I will punish anyone who misuses my name.
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