As James continues his discussion of practicing patience, he states that Christians should not complain “against one another,” giving as examples Job and the prophets. He reminds us that we see in the prophets examples of “suffering and patience” and in Job how to “endure” to the end. God demonstrated His compassion and mercy with both (James 5:9-11).
By using Job and the prophets as examples, James is explaining that the Old Testament illustrates principles by which Christians are to live. It shows us the lives of “real people” who were powerful illustrations of believers in God.