Discontent and Envy
B. Beddome, M. A. James 5:9 Grudge not one against another, brothers, lest you be condemned: behold, the judge stands before the door. I. EXPLAIN THE EXHORTATION. 1. The exhortation implies that we are apt to be secretly discontented with our condition and circumstances in the present life; that we are prone to become fretful when things do not correspond with our wishes. 2. It is implied that we are prone to envy, or to look upon the prosperity of others, either real or imaginary, with a spirit of secret discontent. 3. We are in danger of cherishing a spirit of resentment towards those who have injured us, whether intentionally or not, and so of having a "grudge one against another." II. ENFORCE THE EXHORTATION. 1. The disposition here forbidden is intrinsically evil, and is one of the corruptions of the human heart. 2. It is expressly contrary to Divine command, which requires us to esteem others better than ourselves, to rejoice in their prosperity, to participate of their sorrows, and to make their interest our own. 3. An envious and rancorous disposition is marked with folly, as well as stained. with guilt. It argues an unacquaintedness with ourselves, who in every condition of life deserve to be in worse circumstances than we are; nor does such a disposition contribute in the least to our comfort and happiness. It cures not the wound, but makes it more painful and dangerous; does not lighten the burden, but renders it still more intolerable. 4. It is both injurious to ourselves and others, as well as sinful and unwise. Envy makes us our own tormentors; it robs us of that peace and satisfaction which we might otherwise enjoy. "Wrath killeth the foolish man, and envy slayeth the silly one." It embitters his enjoyments and gives a keener edge to his afflictions. It is a sin which often leads to cruelty and injustice, and is seldom found to exist alone. 5. It is a sin which, if not repented of, will subject us to final condemnation. (B. Beddome, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door. WEB: Don't grumble, brothers, against one another, so that you won't be judged. Behold, the judge stands at the door.