Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary James 5:9

"Murmur not, brethren, one against another, that ye be not judged: behold, the judge standeth before the doors." — James 5:9 (ASV)

The believers must be patient toward both outsiders who oppress them and insiders who irritate them. Christians are not to “grumble [GK 5100] against each other.” This verb, often meaning “sigh” or “groan,” speaks of inner distress rather than open complaint. What is forbidden here is not the loud and bitter denunciation of others but the unexpressed feeling of bitterness or the smothered resentment that may express itself in a groan or a sigh. For them to continue that hateful practice would result in judgment. And the Judge is represented as “standing at the door,” as if his hand is on the latch, ready to enter at any time.