James 5:13

‘Is any among you suffering? Let him pray.'

The first injunction is concerning those who are ‘suffering, afflicted, going through hard times' (compare the use of the word in 2Ti 2:2; 2 Timothy 2:9; 2 Timothy 4:5). They are suffering and enduring trials (compare James 1:2). And what they are to do is pray (compare James 1:5). For prayer will keep them in close touch with God which will enable them to patiently endure. It is the very opposite of the cavalier attitude of the travelling businessmen in James 4:13. ‘Is any cheerful? Let him sing praise.'

The second injunction concerns those who are not at present undergoing trials, and who are not burdened down by failure. They are ‘cheerful'. Life is going well for them. What must they do? They must sing praises (compare Ephesians 5:18; Colossians 3:16; Romans 15:9). They must worship their God and express their gratitude in song.