Biblical Matters

Beyond that one verse, James shares with Job a cluster of themes: testing that refines faith (Jas 1:2-4; Job 23:10), wisdom that comes from God (Jas 1:5; Job 28:12-28), speech as the measure of integrity (Jas 3:2; Job 2:10), care for widows and orphans (Jas 1:27; Job 29:12-13) and the prayer of a righteous person (Jas 5:16; Job 42:8-10). The parallels are thematic; James never quotes Job directly.

Job intercedes regularly for his children (Job 1:5), and at the end God tells the friends “My servant Job will pray for you” (Job 42:8). “After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD restored his prosperity” (Job 42:10).

James: “pray for each other … The prayer of a righteous man has great power” (Jas 5:16), illustrated by Elijah (Jas 5:17-18; 1Kgs 18:41-45).

Intercession can be an act of forgiveness: Job prayed for those who had wounded him.

Integrity is being undivided: the same in prayer, speech and business.

Prayer instead of anxiety — compare Jas 5:13.

קָוָה qa.vah H6960A to await; ὑπομονή hupomonē G5281 perseverance; προσκαρτερέω proskartereō G4342 to continue in/with. hypomonē is steadfast, active remaining under difficulty. The lexicon notes that the Greek Old Testament uses hypomonē and cognates for Hebrew words of hopeful waiting such as qāwâ. proskarteréō means “persist, be devoted to” (e.g. in prayer).

“Man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness of God” (Jas 1:20); “the prayer of a righteous man” (Jas 5:16).

Job lays his hand on his mouth; Jesus “offered up prayers … with loud cries and tears” and was heard for His reverence.

Bold prayer and reverent submission belong together; the pairing with Heb 5:7 is a thematic reading.

“Pour out your hearts before Him.”

Prayer for boldness answered.

Approach the throne of grace with confidence.

Confidence that He hears us.

Confidence in prayer rests on who God is.

Peace with God opens the mouth in prayer.

Bold prayer and righteous life feed one another.