In the face of the oppression from non-believers mentioned in the previous verses (James 5:1-6), James says they are to “be patient” which is the Greek word makrothymesate that is used most often to refer to patience toward people, not situations (which is hupomone). The idea of patience here is to avoid seeking revenge or try to get your equal share here in time, but instead, to show
self-control concerning the temptation towards trying to balance the books with oppressive unbelievers.

The motivation for the ability to be “patient” is an expectant waiting on the Lord. The use of the
word “until” (hoes) gives the idea of enduring a period of time in order to accomplish the goal.
So, James is saying, “exercise patience as you wait for, and look for, the coming of the Lord
because he will balance the books with justice.” This patience is a life long trait of believers in
time who are waiting for something that will not come in this lifetime.

“Parousia” is “presence” or “coming” is a technical term in the Greek world for the visit of a king
or a dignitary to a city or province in his kingdom. It was used in the early church for the expected return of Jesus in glory at the end of history to judge, punish (Mat24:37 39; 2 Thes.2:8) and
reward, deliver (1 Cor.15:23; 1 Thes.2:19; 3:13; 4:15; 5:23)

The farmer planting seeds and waiting for harvest is the example that James uses. The farmer
serves as an illustration of the words “Stand firm” which are the NIV’s translation of sterixate tas kardias hymon which literally means “strengthen your hearts.” Sterixate is “you strengthen”
in the active imperative, so it is a command for you to do the work of strengthening or
“establishing” “your” (hymon) “heart” (kardias).