James 5:11
Verse
Context
Patience in Suffering
10Brothers, as an example of patience in affliction, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.11See how blessed we consider those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen the outcome from the Lord. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
We count them happy which endure - According to that saying of our blessed Lord, Blessed are ye when men shall persecute and revile you - for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Mat 5:11, Mat 5:12, etc. Ye have heard of the patience of Job - Stripped of all his worldly possessions, deprived at a stroke of all his children, tortured in body with sore disease, tempted by the devil, harassed by his wife, and calumniated by his friends, he nevertheless held fast his integrity, resigned himself to the Divine dispensations, and charged not God foolishly. And have seen the end of the Lord - The issue to which God brought all his afflictions and trials, giving him children, increasing his property, lengthening out his life, and multiplying to him every kind of spiritual and secular good. This was God's end with respect to him; but the devil's end was to drive him to despair, and to cause him to blaspheme his Maker. This mention of Job shows him to have been a real person; for a fictitious person would not have been produced as an example of any virtue so highly important as that of patience and perseverance. The end of the Lord is a Hebraism for the issue to which God brings any thing or business. The Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy - Instead of πολυσπλαγχνος, which we translate very pitiful, and which might be rendered of much sympathy, from πολυς, much, and σπλαγχνον, a bowel, (because any thing that affects us with commiseration causes us to feel an indescribable emotion of the bowels), several MSS. have πολυευσπλαγχνος, from παλυς, much, ευ, easily, and σπλαγχνον, a bowel, a word not easy to be translated; but it signifies one whose commiseration is easily excited, and whose commiseration is great or abundant.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
count them happy-- (Mat 5:10). which endure--The oldest authorities read, "which have endured," which suits the sense better than English Version: "Those who in past days, like the prophets and Job, have endured trials." Such, not those who "have lived in pleasure and been wanton on the earth" (Jam 5:5), are "happy." patience--rather, "endurance," answering to "endure": the Greek words similarly corresponding. Distinct from the Greek word for "patience" Jam 5:10. The same word ought to be translated, "endurance," Jam 1:3. He here reverts to the subject which he began with. Job--This passage shows the history of him is concerning a real, not an imaginary person; otherwise his case could not be quoted as an example at all. Though he showed much of impatience, yet he always returned to this, that he committed himself wholly to God, and at last showed a perfect spirit of enduring submission. and have seen--(with the eyes of your mind). ALFORD translates from the old and genuine reading, "see also," &c. The old reading is, however, capable of being translated as English Version. the end of the Lord--the end which the Lord gave. If Job had much to "endure," remember also Job's happy "end." Hence, learn, though much tried, to "endure to the end." that--ALFORD and others translate, "inasmuch as," "for." pitiful . . . of tender mercy--The former refers to the "feeling"; the latter, to the act. His pity is shown in not laying on the patient endurer more trials than he is able to bear; His mercy, in His giving a happy "end" to the trials [BENGEL].
John Gill Bible Commentary
Behold, we count them happy which endure,.... Affliction, with courage, constancy, and patience, and hold out to the end; for such shall be saved; theirs is the kingdom of heaven; they are happy now, and will be so hereafter: the Spirit of God, and of glory, now rests upon them; and it is an honour done them that they are counted worthy to suffer for Christ; and they will be glorified with him to all eternity; the consideration of which may serve to encourage and increase patience. Ye have heard of the patience of Job; from the account which is given of him, and his patience, in the book that bears his name; how he behaved under every trial, which came one upon the back of another; as the plundering of his substance, the loss of his children, and of the health of his body; and yet in all this Job sinned not, nor murmured against God, nor charged him foolishly, and was a mirror of patience; and though he afterwards let fall some expressions of impatience, yet he was humbled for them, and brought to repentance: this shows, that as the Apostle James, so the Jews, to whom he writes, believed that there had been really such a man as Job; and that the book which bears his name is an authentic piece of holy Scripture, and contains a narrative of matters of fact; or otherwise this reference to him would have been impertinent. How long Job endured the chastenings of the Lord cannot be said. The Jews (y) say they continued on him twelve months, which they gather from Job 7:3. And have seen the end of the Lord; that is, the happy end, or exodus, out of all his troubles; which the Lord gave "to him", as the Oriental versions add; for he gave him twice as much as he had before, and blessed his latter end more than his beginning, Job 42:10. Some understand this of the Lord Jesus Christ, both of his great patience in sufferings, in which he is an example to his people, and they would do well to look to, and consider him; and of the end of his sufferings, his glorious resurrection from the dead, and session at the right hand of God, where he is crowned with glory and honour; but the former sense is best: that the Lord is very pitiful and of tender mercy; as to Job, so to all his people; his paternal relation to them engages his pity towards them; nor does he willingly afflict them; and when he does, he sympathizes with them; he is afflicted with them, and in his pity redeems them; his heart moves towards them, and he earnestly remembers them, and works deliverance for them in his own time and way; and therefore it becomes them to be patient. (y) Seder Olam Rabba, c. 3. p. 9.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:11 Job was a man of great endurance because he remained faithful to God throughout his hardships (Job 1:20-21; 2:9-10) despite his complaints (Job 3:1-26; 12:1-3; 16:1-3).
James 5:11
Patience in Suffering
10Brothers, as an example of patience in affliction, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.11See how blessed we consider those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen the outcome from the Lord. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Path to Hope
By David Wilkerson3.1K36:12PSA 31:24ROM 4:6ROM 5:1ROM 15:4ROM 15:13HEB 6:11HEB 10:23JAS 5:11This sermon focuses on the path to hope as outlined in Romans 5, emphasizing the importance of being justified by faith and having peace with God. It highlights the role of tribulations in building patience, experience, and ultimately hope that does not disappoint. The message encourages believers to trust in God's promises, endure suffering with patience, and seek the Holy Spirit's work of hope in their lives.
Through the Bible - Job - Part 1
By Zac Poonen3.0K56:54GEN 5:22JOB 1:1MAT 6:33JAS 5:11In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Job from the book of Job in the Bible. He emphasizes that when God anoints a man's ministry and his work spreads, there will be jealousy even among those who claim to be his friends. The preacher explains that God allows something to happen to godly men in order to expose the wickedness and jealousy of others. He also highlights three hedges that God puts around the lives of godly people: personal life, family, and finances. The sermon concludes by mentioning that a godly man may face difficulties, including a difficult wife and being misunderstood by other religious people of his generation.
A Father's Love
By Basilea Schlink1.5K04:35Radio ShowPSA 30:5MAT 6:20LUK 15:20ROM 8:182CO 4:17JAS 5:11REV 21:4In this sermon, Basilia Schlink discusses the fatherly love of God and how He reveals Himself to us. She references James 5:11, which speaks of God's compassion and mercy. The sermon focuses on the story of Job, highlighting how God pitied Job and suffered with him during his trials. It emphasizes that those who bear the sufferings of others seek to prepare a good ending, and that God bestows even greater blessings upon His chosen ones after their suffering. The sermon concludes by reminding listeners of the promise of heaven, where God will wipe away every tear and reward His children with eternal joy and glory.
A Father’s Love
By Basilea Schlink1.5K04:35Radio ShowMAT 6:20LUK 15:20JHN 14:2ROM 8:182CO 4:17JAS 5:11REV 21:4In this sermon by Basilia Schlink, the focus is on God's fatherly love and how He reveals Himself to us. The sermon references James 5:11, which speaks of God's compassion and mercy. The story of Job is used as an example of how God pitied Job and suffered with him during his trials. The sermon emphasizes that God has a special plan to show His love, and that He will wipe away every tear and embrace us like the prodigal son. The ultimate goal is for believers to experience the eternal weight of glory and the heavenly creation that God has prepared for His children.
Hatred for Sin
By David Wilkerson99237:30SinMAT 6:33MAT 7:1LUK 6:36ROM 2:21JAS 2:13JAS 5:11In this sermon, the speaker addresses the topic of hatred for sin. He shares a personal experience of feeling anger towards someone but then being convicted by God to listen and show mercy. The speaker emphasizes the importance of having the love of Jesus in our hearts, rather than just outwardly bringing people to church. He also references the story of David in 2 Samuel 12, where David's anger towards sin is evident. The sermon concludes with a call for individuals to acknowledge their sins and seek forgiveness from God.
Studies in Job-03 Job-3
By William MacDonald74545:29StudiesJOB 33:8JOB 38:2JOB 40:1JOB 40:4JAS 5:11In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Job and explores the theme of God's sovereignty and power. The sermon begins by highlighting God's role as the creator of the universe and questioning Job's understanding of it. The preacher then discusses God's control over the sea and uses the example of the crocodile to illustrate God's unmatched power. Job eventually acknowledges God's authority and sovereignty. The sermon concludes by emphasizing that God does not always provide explanations for human suffering.
Worshipping God When Suffering
By Zac Poonen7231:13:20JOB 42:7ISA 53:3MAT 5:7MAT 7:1JHN 3:17HEB 10:7JAS 2:13JAS 5:11This sermon emphasizes the importance of following the example of Jesus and Job in living a life of humility, mercy, and forgiveness. It highlights the need to focus on our own sins rather than judging others, to be merciful and understanding towards those who misunderstand or criticize us, and to trust in God's provision and guidance in all circumstances. The message encourages a life of simplicity, forgiveness, and reliance on God's grace.
Job #4: God Almighty, the God Who Is Enough
By Ed Miller5671:10:41JOB 38:1JOB 38:5JAS 5:11In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that God has a reason for everything that happens in our lives, even if we don't understand it. He encourages believers to trust in God's wisdom and love, even when faced with challenges and unanswered questions. The speaker uses the story of Job to illustrate this point, highlighting how Job's perspective shifted from focusing on his own problems to recognizing God's sovereignty and wisdom. The sermon concludes with a powerful reminder of God's infinite wisdom and understanding, emphasizing that He is far beyond human comprehension.
Walking With God - Part 4
By Phil Beach Jr.311:06:46Walking With GodPatience in TrialsGodDEU 6:5JOB 19:25AMO 4:4MAT 3:17ROM 5:82CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 1:3JAS 5:111PE 1:23Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the importance of walking with God through patience and understanding during trials, drawing parallels with Job's suffering. He explains that God's purpose in our afflictions is to reveal His Son, Jesus Christ, and to disentangle us from our reliance on religion and self-righteousness. The sermon highlights that true Christianity is not about following rules or traditions but about a transformative relationship with Christ, who empowers us to live righteously. Beach encourages believers to seek a deeper revelation of Jesus, which leads to spiritual maturity and a renewed vision of God's glory. Ultimately, he calls for a surrender to the life of Christ as the only means to live a fulfilling Christian life.
Walking With God - Part 2
By Phil Beach Jr.2641:51Fellowship With GodGodThe Living RedeemerJOB 19:25JHN 14:61CO 1:9GAL 3:1EPH 1:1JAS 5:111JN 1:1Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the significance of walking with God, highlighting that God's ultimate goal is fellowship with Him, which transforms us into His image. He explains that true Christianity is about a deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, rather than seeking worldly benefits. The sermon stresses the importance of recognizing Jesus as our living Redeemer, whose life empowers us to overcome our natural tendencies and challenges. Beach encourages believers to maintain a posture of faith, continually confessing that 'My Redeemer liveth' as a source of strength and hope in trials. Ultimately, the call to walk with God is a call to experience His transformative power in our lives.
An Uplifting Message
By David Wilkerson0God's FaithfulnessHope in DespairLAM 3:22JAS 5:111PE 4:12David Wilkerson delivers an uplifting message aimed at those who are struggling with despair, loneliness, and grief, emphasizing that even the most faithful Christians can experience deep trials. He shares the story of Job and the prophet Jeremiah, illustrating that suffering is a common experience for believers and that God allows these trials to strengthen our faith. Wilkerson reassures listeners that in their darkest moments, they can find God’s compassion and faithfulness, encouraging them to trust in His promises and to look beyond their afflictions. He emphasizes that God is present even in our lowest points, offering hope and comfort to those who feel abandoned. Ultimately, the message is one of resilience and the assurance that God will not forsake His children.
Job's Encounter With God
By Zac Poonen0Humility and RepentanceEncountering GodNUM 6:22JOB 42:5LUK 22:61JAS 5:11Zac Poonen explores Job's profound encounter with God, emphasizing how Job's trials led him to a place of brokenness and repentance. Despite losing everything, including his health and the support of friends, Job ultimately found true restoration not in material blessings but in a face-to-face revelation of God's kindness. This encounter transformed Job's self-righteousness into humility, allowing him to see God's grace and mercy. Poonen draws parallels with Peter's experience after denying Christ, highlighting that true transformation comes from recognizing God's kindness. The sermon concludes with the reminder that the greatest blessing is not health or wealth, but a deep, personal relationship with God.
The Book of Repentance
By Harry Ironside0RepentanceSelf-ExaminationJOB 42:5JAS 5:11Harry Ironside emphasizes that the primary theme of the Book of Job is repentance, rather than the question of why the righteous suffer. He illustrates how Job, a man of great integrity, ultimately comes to recognize his own sinfulness and need for repentance, culminating in his declaration of self-abhorence and humility before God. Ironside contrasts Job's journey with other biblical figures, highlighting that even the most righteous among us must confront the evil within and seek God's mercy. The sermon underscores that true repentance is essential for all, regardless of one's perceived righteousness, and is a work of the Holy Spirit leading to self-judgment and blessing.
The Book of Job
By C.I. Scofield0EZK 14:14MAT 4:4JHN 15:1HEB 12:11JAS 5:11C.I. Scofield delves into the book of Job, acknowledging the need for limitations in studying its vast content and focusing on the panoramic view of the book. He refutes claims that Job is a work of imagination, emphasizing its discussion on man's accountability to God. The central problem of Job is explored - why do the godly suffer? The interactions between Job, his wife, and his three friends represent different perspectives on human suffering and the role of God in it, leading to a divine solution that brings forth double fruitfulness and a higher form of service.
Rev. 1:8. the Fullness of the God-Man
By Horatius Bonar0Divine InvitationThe Fullness of ChristPSA 90:2MAT 28:18JHN 1:1JHN 7:37EPH 3:8COL 1:15JAS 5:112PE 3:9REV 1:8Horatius Bonar emphasizes the fullness of Christ as the God-Man in his sermon on Revelation 1:8, where Jesus declares Himself as 'Alpha and Omega.' He explores the various dimensions of this fullness, including wisdom, creation, space, time, and power, asserting that all these attributes are embodied in Christ. Bonar highlights that this fullness is not only divine but also accessible to humanity, inviting all to partake in the unsearchable riches of Christ. He reassures believers of Christ's eternal presence and love, which remains unchanged and ever available. Ultimately, Bonar calls for a response to this divine invitation, emphasizing that no one is excluded from the fullness offered by Jesus.
Longing
By George Herbert0PSA 18:6PSA 34:17PSA 40:1PSA 69:33PSA 116:1ISA 30:19JAS 5:11George Herbert's sermon emphasizes the deep cries, groans, and sighs of a soul in desperate need of God's mercy and compassion, acknowledging the weariness, hoarseness, and giddiness that come from the burdens of life. The plea is for God to hear, to not be indifferent or deaf to the heartfelt cries of His children, and to consider their sorrows and griefs with a compassionate ear. Despite feeling abandoned and in bitter grief, the speaker clings to the hope that God, who made the ear, will indeed hear and respond to their pleas for help and healing.
Wait Quietly
By Charles E. Cowman0PSA 27:14ROM 8:25HEB 6:15JAS 5:112PE 3:9Charles E. Cowman preaches about the importance of patiently enduring trials and tribulations, using the example of Abraham who faced various challenges but remained steadfast in his faith and trust in God. Despite being tested by delays, temptations, human opposition, and personal struggles, Abraham did not waver in his belief in God's promises. His patient endurance led to the fulfillment of God's promise in his life, showcasing the faithfulness of God and the reward for those who wait on Him.
Waters Which Do Not Drown and Flames Which Do Not Burn
By J.C. Philpot0PSA 18:5PSA 42:7PSA 69:2ISA 24:15ISA 43:12CO 1:20JAS 5:112PE 1:4J.C. Philpot preaches about the comforting promises of God to His people, assuring them of His presence and protection through trials and tribulations. He emphasizes the strong foundation of God's promises, rooted in His creation, redemption, calling, and possession of His chosen ones. Philpot explains how believers, when passing through waters of trouble, rivers of affliction, and fires of temptation, can trust in God's faithfulness to sustain and deliver them, preventing them from being overwhelmed or consumed. By aligning their experiences with the work of God in their hearts, believers can find assurance in God's promises to be with them and bring them safely through every trial.
The Work of Faith, Patience of Hope, and Labor of Love
By J.C. Philpot0LAM 3:26ROM 8:241CO 13:132CO 5:14HEB 6:10HEB 11:1HEB 12:1JAS 5:111JN 3:3J.C. Philpot preaches about the importance of faith, hope, and love, highlighting the distinct roles and struggles each grace faces. Faith is described as the substance of things hoped for, with a focus on birth, nature, and opposition. Hope is portrayed as enduring patiently against despair and opposition, with a strong anchor-like quality. Love is depicted as laboring inwardly against enmity and outwardly in service to God and His people, emphasizing submission, obedience, and separation from the world. Philpot urges the congregation to examine their faith, hope, and love by their works, patience, and labor to ensure a genuine experience of these graces.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
We count them happy which endure - According to that saying of our blessed Lord, Blessed are ye when men shall persecute and revile you - for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Mat 5:11, Mat 5:12, etc. Ye have heard of the patience of Job - Stripped of all his worldly possessions, deprived at a stroke of all his children, tortured in body with sore disease, tempted by the devil, harassed by his wife, and calumniated by his friends, he nevertheless held fast his integrity, resigned himself to the Divine dispensations, and charged not God foolishly. And have seen the end of the Lord - The issue to which God brought all his afflictions and trials, giving him children, increasing his property, lengthening out his life, and multiplying to him every kind of spiritual and secular good. This was God's end with respect to him; but the devil's end was to drive him to despair, and to cause him to blaspheme his Maker. This mention of Job shows him to have been a real person; for a fictitious person would not have been produced as an example of any virtue so highly important as that of patience and perseverance. The end of the Lord is a Hebraism for the issue to which God brings any thing or business. The Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy - Instead of πολυσπλαγχνος, which we translate very pitiful, and which might be rendered of much sympathy, from πολυς, much, and σπλαγχνον, a bowel, (because any thing that affects us with commiseration causes us to feel an indescribable emotion of the bowels), several MSS. have πολυευσπλαγχνος, from παλυς, much, ευ, easily, and σπλαγχνον, a bowel, a word not easy to be translated; but it signifies one whose commiseration is easily excited, and whose commiseration is great or abundant.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
count them happy-- (Mat 5:10). which endure--The oldest authorities read, "which have endured," which suits the sense better than English Version: "Those who in past days, like the prophets and Job, have endured trials." Such, not those who "have lived in pleasure and been wanton on the earth" (Jam 5:5), are "happy." patience--rather, "endurance," answering to "endure": the Greek words similarly corresponding. Distinct from the Greek word for "patience" Jam 5:10. The same word ought to be translated, "endurance," Jam 1:3. He here reverts to the subject which he began with. Job--This passage shows the history of him is concerning a real, not an imaginary person; otherwise his case could not be quoted as an example at all. Though he showed much of impatience, yet he always returned to this, that he committed himself wholly to God, and at last showed a perfect spirit of enduring submission. and have seen--(with the eyes of your mind). ALFORD translates from the old and genuine reading, "see also," &c. The old reading is, however, capable of being translated as English Version. the end of the Lord--the end which the Lord gave. If Job had much to "endure," remember also Job's happy "end." Hence, learn, though much tried, to "endure to the end." that--ALFORD and others translate, "inasmuch as," "for." pitiful . . . of tender mercy--The former refers to the "feeling"; the latter, to the act. His pity is shown in not laying on the patient endurer more trials than he is able to bear; His mercy, in His giving a happy "end" to the trials [BENGEL].
John Gill Bible Commentary
Behold, we count them happy which endure,.... Affliction, with courage, constancy, and patience, and hold out to the end; for such shall be saved; theirs is the kingdom of heaven; they are happy now, and will be so hereafter: the Spirit of God, and of glory, now rests upon them; and it is an honour done them that they are counted worthy to suffer for Christ; and they will be glorified with him to all eternity; the consideration of which may serve to encourage and increase patience. Ye have heard of the patience of Job; from the account which is given of him, and his patience, in the book that bears his name; how he behaved under every trial, which came one upon the back of another; as the plundering of his substance, the loss of his children, and of the health of his body; and yet in all this Job sinned not, nor murmured against God, nor charged him foolishly, and was a mirror of patience; and though he afterwards let fall some expressions of impatience, yet he was humbled for them, and brought to repentance: this shows, that as the Apostle James, so the Jews, to whom he writes, believed that there had been really such a man as Job; and that the book which bears his name is an authentic piece of holy Scripture, and contains a narrative of matters of fact; or otherwise this reference to him would have been impertinent. How long Job endured the chastenings of the Lord cannot be said. The Jews (y) say they continued on him twelve months, which they gather from Job 7:3. And have seen the end of the Lord; that is, the happy end, or exodus, out of all his troubles; which the Lord gave "to him", as the Oriental versions add; for he gave him twice as much as he had before, and blessed his latter end more than his beginning, Job 42:10. Some understand this of the Lord Jesus Christ, both of his great patience in sufferings, in which he is an example to his people, and they would do well to look to, and consider him; and of the end of his sufferings, his glorious resurrection from the dead, and session at the right hand of God, where he is crowned with glory and honour; but the former sense is best: that the Lord is very pitiful and of tender mercy; as to Job, so to all his people; his paternal relation to them engages his pity towards them; nor does he willingly afflict them; and when he does, he sympathizes with them; he is afflicted with them, and in his pity redeems them; his heart moves towards them, and he earnestly remembers them, and works deliverance for them in his own time and way; and therefore it becomes them to be patient. (y) Seder Olam Rabba, c. 3. p. 9.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:11 Job was a man of great endurance because he remained faithful to God throughout his hardships (Job 1:20-21; 2:9-10) despite his complaints (Job 3:1-26; 12:1-3; 16:1-3).