James 5:9
Verse
Context
Sermons
Jack Hyles
Basilea Schlink
A.B. Simpson
Horatius Bonar
A.W. Tozer
E.A. AdeboyeA.W. TozerSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Grudge not - Μη στεναζετε· Groan not; grumble not; do not murmur through impatience; and let not any ill treatment which you receive, induce you to vent your feelings in imprecations against your oppressors. Leave all this in the hands of God. Lest ye be condemned - By giving way to a spirit of this kind, you will get under the condemnation of the wicked. The judge standeth before the door - His eye is upon every thing that is wrong in you, and every wrong that is done to you; and he is now entering into judgment with your oppressors.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Grudge not--rather "Murmur not"; "grumble not." The Greek is literally, "groan": a half-suppressed murmur of impatience and harsh judgment, not uttered aloud or freely. Having exhorted them to patience in bearing wrongs from the wicked, he now exhorts them to a forbearing spirit as to the offenses given by brethren. Christians, who bear the former patiently, sometimes are impatient at the latter, though much less grievous. lest . . . condemned--The best manuscript authorities read, "judged." James refers to Mat 7:1, "Judge not lest ye be judged." To "murmur against one another" is virtually to judge, and so to become liable to be judged. judge . . . before the door--referring to Mat 24:33. The Greek is the same in both passages, and so ought to be translated here as there, "doors," plural. The phrase means "near at hand" (Gen 4:7), which in the oldest interpretations [Targums of Jonathan and Jerusalem] is explained, "thy sin is reserved unto the judgment of the world to come." Compare "the everlasting doors" (Psa 24:7, whence He shall come forth). The Lord's coming to destroy Jerusalem is primarily referred to; and ultimately, His coming again visibly to judgment.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Grudge not one against another, brethren,.... On account of any happiness, temporal or spiritual, which another enjoys; do not inwardly repine at it; or secretly sigh and groan in an envious manner at it, though nothing may be said, as the word used signifies; much less complain of, accuse, and condemn one another, or meditate and seek revenge: lest ye be condemned; hereafter, at the bar of Christ, by the Judge of the whole earth, who is privy to the secret murmurings and grumblings, and the envious sighs and groans of men; see Mat 7:1 behold the judge standeth before the door; there is another that judgeth, who is the Lord, and he is at hand; he is just at the door; a little while and he will come, and not tarry; which may refer not to Christ's coming to destroy Jerusalem, but to his second coming to judgment, which will be quickly; for the Gospel times are the last times; there will be no other age; at the end of this, Christ will come.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:9 the Judge is standing at the door! The coming of Christ is imminent.
James 5:9
Patience in Suffering
8You, too, be patient and strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near.9Do not complain about one another, brothers, so that you will not be judged. Look, the Judge is standing at the door!
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
How to Get Along With God's Family
By Jack Hyles98456:00PSA 133:1JHN 10:27ROM 12:101CO 4:6EPH 4:2JAS 5:91JN 4:7In this sermon, the preacher tells a story about a boy named Johnny who struggles to understand basic math concepts. Through this story, the preacher highlights the lack of cooperation and understanding in the world. The sermon then shifts to a personal anecdote about the preacher's friend, Bob Keyes, who suffered a heart attack and needed open heart surgery. The preacher emphasizes the importance of loyalty and friendship, urging the congregation to support and help those in need. The sermon concludes with a call for unity and a prayer for the congregation to learn to dwell together in harmony.
The Way Is Prepared
By Basilea Schlink64904:35Radio ShowJAS 5:7JAS 5:9In this sermon, Basilia Schlenk discusses the promise of God's presence and deliverance in times of distress and darkness. She refers to James 5:7, where the apostle encourages patience until the coming of the Lord. Schlenk emphasizes that God always has an exit prepared for every need, and it is up to us to believe in His love and patiently endure. She also highlights the importance of not grumbling against one another, as it hinders our relationship with Jesus. The sermon concludes with the reminder that Jesus will return triumphantly, bringing light and joy to those who eagerly await Him.
And When the People Complained,
By A.B. Simpson0MurmuringTrust in GodEXO 16:2NUM 11:1JOB 1:22PSA 106:25PRO 19:3ROM 14:101CO 10:10PHP 2:14HEB 3:12JAS 5:9A.B. Simpson addresses the subtlety of murmuring among the children of Israel in the wilderness, emphasizing how people often express their discontent 'as it were' without openly sinning. He illustrates how individuals may evade direct accusations against God by complaining about their circumstances or others, revealing a deeper struggle with faith and trust. Simpson warns that such murmuring can lead to a dangerous mindset where one might charge God foolishly if given the chance. The sermon serves as a reminder of the importance of confronting our grievances honestly and recognizing the underlying issues in our hearts. Ultimately, it calls for self-examination and a return to trust in God's faithfulness.
The Night of Weeping
By Horatius Bonar0Joy vs. WorldlinessThe Purpose of AfflictionMAT 6:19LUK 12:15ROM 12:22CO 5:17PHP 3:20COL 3:21TH 5:22HEB 12:1JAS 5:91JN 2:15Horatius Bonar emphasizes the contrast between the superficial joy of the world and the deep, abiding joy found in Christ. He warns that laughter and revelry are hollow distractions that can lead believers away from their true identity as children of God. Bonar explains that affliction serves as a divine tool to awaken us from worldliness and selfishness, drawing us closer to Christ and reminding us of our eternal hope. He encourages the saints to embrace a serious and solemn life, reflecting the gravity of their calling and the reality of eternity. Ultimately, Bonar calls for a return to spiritual seriousness, urging believers to live in a way that honors their heavenly heritage.
The Illogic of Complaining
By A.W. Tozer0ComplainingGratitudeEXO 16:2NUM 14:27PSA 77:3PRO 19:3ROM 8:28EPH 4:29PHP 2:14COL 3:151TH 5:18JAS 5:9A.W. Tozer addresses the detrimental effects of complaining on the soul and the Christian testimony, emphasizing that this sin is often overlooked despite its prevalence. He argues that a complaining heart can always find reasons to be unhappy, whether it be about circumstances, the church, or even God. Tozer points out the illogical nature of a Christian's complaints, as they have chosen to follow Christ freely and can leave at any time, yet they persist in grumbling. This contradiction places them in a morally untenable position, undermining their faith and witness. Ultimately, Tozer calls for self-examination and a shift away from a complaining attitude to one of gratitude and faith.
Why This Affliction?
By E.A. Adeboye0PSA 34:17MAT 22:292TI 3:12JAS 4:7JAS 5:9E.A. Adeboye emphasizes the importance of understanding the source of afflictions Christians face, distinguishing between trials permitted by God for testing, afflictions caused by personal sins that require confession and repentance, and attacks from the devil that need to be resisted through prayer and standing on God's Word. He encourages believers to hold on to God in times of trial, remain patient, and not be discouraged, highlighting the need for self-examination and taking necessary steps to overcome afflictions.
Costs of Complaining
By A.W. Tozer0ComplainingSuffering Of ChristPSA 34:19ISA 53:5MAT 26:38JHN 16:33ROM 8:182CO 4:17PHP 2:14HEB 12:2JAS 5:91PE 2:21A.W. Tozer addresses the detrimental effects of complaining among Christians, illustrating how it aligns them with negative biblical figures like Cain and Korah. He emphasizes that a complaining spirit reveals a lack of understanding of Christ's sufferings, particularly in light of His agony at Gethsemane and Calvary. Tozer argues that comparing our trivial struggles to Christ's immense suffering should silence our complaints, as no pain we endure can match His. He concludes that complaining is not merely a habit but a spiritual ailment that requires redemption through the blood of Christ. Ultimately, the sermon calls for believers to seek healing from this affliction rather than rationalizing their grievances.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Grudge not - Μη στεναζετε· Groan not; grumble not; do not murmur through impatience; and let not any ill treatment which you receive, induce you to vent your feelings in imprecations against your oppressors. Leave all this in the hands of God. Lest ye be condemned - By giving way to a spirit of this kind, you will get under the condemnation of the wicked. The judge standeth before the door - His eye is upon every thing that is wrong in you, and every wrong that is done to you; and he is now entering into judgment with your oppressors.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Grudge not--rather "Murmur not"; "grumble not." The Greek is literally, "groan": a half-suppressed murmur of impatience and harsh judgment, not uttered aloud or freely. Having exhorted them to patience in bearing wrongs from the wicked, he now exhorts them to a forbearing spirit as to the offenses given by brethren. Christians, who bear the former patiently, sometimes are impatient at the latter, though much less grievous. lest . . . condemned--The best manuscript authorities read, "judged." James refers to Mat 7:1, "Judge not lest ye be judged." To "murmur against one another" is virtually to judge, and so to become liable to be judged. judge . . . before the door--referring to Mat 24:33. The Greek is the same in both passages, and so ought to be translated here as there, "doors," plural. The phrase means "near at hand" (Gen 4:7), which in the oldest interpretations [Targums of Jonathan and Jerusalem] is explained, "thy sin is reserved unto the judgment of the world to come." Compare "the everlasting doors" (Psa 24:7, whence He shall come forth). The Lord's coming to destroy Jerusalem is primarily referred to; and ultimately, His coming again visibly to judgment.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Grudge not one against another, brethren,.... On account of any happiness, temporal or spiritual, which another enjoys; do not inwardly repine at it; or secretly sigh and groan in an envious manner at it, though nothing may be said, as the word used signifies; much less complain of, accuse, and condemn one another, or meditate and seek revenge: lest ye be condemned; hereafter, at the bar of Christ, by the Judge of the whole earth, who is privy to the secret murmurings and grumblings, and the envious sighs and groans of men; see Mat 7:1 behold the judge standeth before the door; there is another that judgeth, who is the Lord, and he is at hand; he is just at the door; a little while and he will come, and not tarry; which may refer not to Christ's coming to destroy Jerusalem, but to his second coming to judgment, which will be quickly; for the Gospel times are the last times; there will be no other age; at the end of this, Christ will come.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:9 the Judge is standing at the door! The coming of Christ is imminent.