Job is mentioned in the New Testament, of course. But (surprisingly) only once by name. And here is that occurrence: “Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.” James 5:11
The “patience” of Job.
But I’ve read again and again where commentators reel at the fact Job seemed to lack “patience” (they say) so many times in the Book.
Yet I know the Bible is never wrong!
I’ll take Scripture over the so called scholars any day.
James himself (under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit of God) said that Job was a man of patience!
Yet he (Job) did at times seem to be “exasperated.” Who would not have been, under those trying circumstances? For example: “Then Job answered and said, 2 Even to day is my complaint bitter: my stroke is heavier than my groaning. 3 Oh that I knew where I might find Him (God)! that I might come even to His Seat! 4 I would order my cause before Him, and fill my mouth with arguments. 5 I would know the words which He would answer me, and understand what He would say unto me. 6 Will He plead against me with his great power? No; but He would put strength in me. 7 There the righteous might dispute with Him; so should I be delivered for ever from my judge. 8 Behold, I go forward, but He is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive Him: 9 On the left hand, where He doth work, but I cannot behold Him: He hideth Himself on the right hand, that I cannot see Him.” Job 23:1-9, Where is God?
So … why is this good man so well known for his “patience?”
This calls for some word study. Back at James 5:11, today’s basic Text. “Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.”
Here the verb “endure” and the noun “patience” are virtually identical, from the very same “root,” the same “stem” in Greek. Here’s how to spell the verb, “hupomeno.” Here’s how to spell the noun, “hupomone.”
James is pronouncing a “blessing” on Christians who “endure” great hardship … and steadfastly continue in their faith! Then he immediately cites Job as a paragon of such faith!
Of such “endurance!”
Was Job always ultra “meek” in the Book that bears his name?
Not necessarily, having passionately spoken for 18 solid chapters! (Nearly half of the Book’s 42 chapters!)
BUT JOB DID ENDURE … HOLDING ON TO A GOD HE OFTEN COULD NOT FIND … ALL THE WAY THROUGH HIS ELONGATED ORDEAL! HE NEVER CURSED GOD, LIKE THE DEVIL SAID HE WOULD DO!
The word “hupomone” in Greek means “to remain” (that’s “meno”) “underneath” (that’s “hupo”) some load, some burden, some “pressing” circumstance!
And Job did that superbly!
He is one of the most enduring Bible characters … until Jesus!
Here’s an example of Job’s holy “tenacity:” Job 13:15 … “Though he (God) slay me, yet will I trust in Him.” Wow!
Standing up … under the load … and continuing to walk the way Christ has led.
“Hupomone!”
James 5:11, one more time. “Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.”
Yes, Job died happy!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell