James 5:9

Grudge. Greek stenazo, “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 verse 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. Greek krind, “to judge.” See on Romans 2:1; cf. Matthew 7:1-5. 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; James 5:8). The Father has committed the judgment of this world to Him (see on John 5:22, 27; Acts 10:42).

Standeth. The Greek implies that the Lord is standing, at the very moment, at the door (cf. James 5:8; see on Matthew 24:33). 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.