Question 1

What does it mean to be patient unto the coming of the Lord?

Accepted Answer

Being patient unto the coming of the Lord means keeping a steady, trusting heart while you wait for Jesus to return and fix what is wrong. James writes to people who are suffering and reminds them that their troubles are not the end of the story. Just as a farmer waits months for his crops, believers are to wait for God’s perfect time. This patience is not lazy or uncaring, but a calm trust that God sees the injustice, will judge rightly, and will bring his people into joy.

Question 2

Why does James compare believers to a farmer waiting for rain?

Accepted Answer

James uses the picture of a farmer because everyone understands that crops do not grow in a day. The farmer plants his seed, then must wait through both the early and later rains before he can harvest. In the same way, believers may go through long seasons of hardship before they see God’s answer or final rescue. The picture teaches that waiting is part of God’s normal way of working. It encourages us not to give up or try to take revenge, but to trust that God’s timing is wise and sure.

Question 3

What does grudge not one against another mean here?

Accepted Answer

“Grudge not one against another” is a warning against quiet resentment, envy, and complaining about other believers. When people are under pressure, it is easy to turn on each other, compare lives, or mutter in our hearts against others. James says this kind of hidden grumbling brings God’s judgment, because the Judge is already at the door. Instead of feeding bitterness, we are called to patience, kindness, and leaving judgment to God. This protects the church from breaking apart when times are hard.

Question 4

Why does James point to the prophets and Job as examples?

Accepted Answer

James points to the prophets and to Job to show that suffering with patience is nothing new or strange. The prophets spoke God’s words and yet were often mocked, mistreated, and even killed, but they held on and are now honored. Job lost his wealth, his children, and his health, yet he kept turning back to God. In the end, God restored him and showed deep mercy. These examples remind believers that God sees their pain, that patient endurance is precious to him, and that his final purpose is kind.

Question 5

What does it mean that the Lord is very pitiful and of tender mercy?

Accepted Answer

Saying the Lord is very pitiful and of tender mercy means that God’s heart is moved by the suffering of his people and that he is kind in how he deals with them. He does not enjoy their pain or forget them. In Job’s story, God allowed hard testing, but he also set limits and, in the end, poured out blessing. This verse reminds believers that behind their trials there is a Father who cares deeply, who understands their weakness, and who will show mercy in his own time and way.

Question 6

Why does James tell believers not to swear at all?

Accepted Answer

James tells believers not to swear by heaven, earth, or any other thing because careless oaths cheapen God’s name and weaken trust between people. When someone has to dress up their words with swearing, it suggests their plain promise is not enough. Instead, James teaches that a simple “yes” or “no” should be all that is needed. This means Christians should be so honest and consistent that others know they can rely on what they say, without any extra vows or strong language.

Question 7

What does let your yea be yea and your nay, nay mean?

Accepted Answer

“Let your yea be yea and your nay, nay” means that your simple “yes” and “no” should be truthful and firm. You should not need to add oaths or strong phrases to convince people you are honest. James is warning against a way of speaking where people toss around oaths or promises lightly, sometimes to cover lies or half-truths. God wants his people to be straightforward in their words so that others can trust them. This protects us from judgment that comes on false or careless speech.

Question 8

How can this passage help someone who is suffering unfair treatment?

Accepted Answer

This passage speaks gently to those who suffer unfairly. It says you are not forgotten and that the Lord’s coming is near. It calls you to be patient like a farmer, to look at the prophets and Job, and to remember that God is very compassionate. Instead of plotting revenge or nursing grudges, you can rest in the truth that God is the Judge and stands at the door. This does not make pain easy, but it gives a steady hope that God will bring justice and show mercy in the end.

Question 9

What does it mean that the judge standeth before the door?

Accepted Answer

The picture of the judge standing before the door means that God’s judgment is very near, not far off. James uses this to comfort believers and to warn them at the same time. It comforts them because their oppressors will not escape God’s justice forever. It warns them because their own hidden attitudes and words are also seen by God. Knowing the Judge is at the door should move us to live with patience, to let go of grudges, and to speak honestly, knowing we will give account to him.

James 5:7

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.

Patience in Suffering

Cross References

James 5:7

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.

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Patience in Suffering

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