Stop Complaining, Brothers

September 16th, 2026
by Lance Waldie

James 5:9 Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door.

In vv. 7-8 James exhorts his audience to be patient in light of the certainty of Christ’s imminent return. Their patience was needed in light of the fact that many things were upsetting them. Keeping in mind that these Christians had been scattered in the persecution of Christianity in first century Jerusalem (1:1-4), James knew they were suffering outside of their homes. They were also dealing with unruly and unbelieving people in their midst, from the prejudiced (2:1-13) to those unable to tame their tongues (3:1-12) to the stingy rich (5:1-6). Being in such ongoing stressful situations, people have been known to turn against one another—from spouses to parents to children to fellow believers to pastors. This may be the context for which James writes, “Do not complain, brethren, against one another…” (5:9). Literally, James says “Stop speaking against one another brethren,” for their sin was already present and spreading.

James used similar language in 4:11-12, telling his audience to “stop speaking against one another,” but that context concerned judging fellow believers. In 5:9, then, James addresses those who “complain” (Gr. stenazō). This idea fits a persistent topic in James’ letter about sinful speech (cf. 1:27; 3:1-12; 4:11-12). Paul dealt with this problem as well in other churches, telling the Ephesians, “I…implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (4:1-3). This is never easy for people whether they are suffering oppression or simply dealing with difficult people. In spite of this, James is clear that complaining against fellow believers was unacceptable.

Lest anyone take James’ words with a grain of salt, it is clear that harsh judgment awaits those who persist in wrongful judging or complaining against fellow believers (cf. 4:11-12). Jesus said as much, admonishing His hearers, “Do not judge so that you will not be judged” (Matt. 7:1). So, both Jesus and James warn of judgment for those who wrongfully judge. In fact, James says, “the Judge is standing right at the door.” Who is that Judge? Having just written that there is only one Lawgiver and Judge (4:12), clearly he is speaking of God. Noting also the references to the parousia (i.e., Christ’s coming) in vv. 7-8 where Jesus, “the Lord,” is the Judge, it is clear in James’ mind that Jesus is God, “the Lord.” This too is consistent with Jesus’ own teachings, for He warned that “when you see all these things [i.e., the signs of His coming], recognize that He is near [i.e., the parousia], right at the door” (Matt. 24:33; cf. Rev. 3:20).

In vv. 7-8 James speaks of Christ’s return as the ultimate day for Christians to look ahead to in order to be relieved of their sufferings on earth. Unbelievers will be judged, and Christians will be with the Lord continually. But in v. 9, there is a shift of thought. Christians themselves must consider their own ways and get right with the Judge before He returns, for the parousia will be a time where Christians are summoned to account for their own lives (cf. 2 Cor. 5:10). Peter Davids, says, “The nearness of the eschatological day is not just an impetus to look forward to the judgment of ‘sinners’… it is also a warning to examine one’s behavior so that when the one whose footsteps are nearing finally knocks on the door, one may be prepared to open… either for blessing or for judgment. The coming Lord is also the judge of the Christian.”

Food For Thought
It is far too easy to complain against our fellow Christians. But we must cease from it! Though we are saved by Christ’s blood, He will still judge us for how we act toward one another. Let us thus see each other as God’s children, and let us love one another and stop complaining.