John Calvin Commentary James 5:11

"Behold, we call them blessed that endured: ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord, how that the Lord is full of pity, and merciful." — James 5:11 (ASV)

The patience of Job. Having spoken generally of the prophets, he now refers to an example remarkable above others; for no one, as far as we can learn from histories, has ever been overwhelmed with troubles so hard and so various as Job; and yet he emerged from so deep a gulf. Whoever, then, will imitate his patience, will no doubt find God’s hand, which in the end delivered him, to be the same. We see for what purpose his history has been written. God did not allow his servant Job to sink, because he patiently endured his afflictions. Then he will disappoint the patience of no one.

If, however, it is asked, why does the Apostle so much commend the patience of Job, since he had displayed many signs of impatience, being carried away by a hasty spirit? To this I reply, that though he sometimes failed through the infirmity of the flesh, or murmured within himself, yet he always surrendered himself to God, and was always willing to be restrained and ruled by him. Though, then, his patience was somewhat deficient, yet it is deservedly commended.

The end of the Lord. By these words he indicates that afflictions should always be estimated by their end. For at first God seems to be far away, and Satan in the meantime revels in the confusion; the flesh suggests to us that we are forsaken by God and lost. Therefore, we should extend our view further, for near and around us there appears no light. Moreover, he has called it the end of the Lord, because it is his work to give a prosperous outcome to adversities. If we do our duty in bearing hardships obediently, he will certainly not fail in performing his part. Hope directs us only to the end; God will then show himself very merciful, however rigid and severe he may seem to be while afflicting us.