James 2:4 Explained in Context

Verse 1. ¹ My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.

Verse 2. ² For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;

Verse 3. ³ And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:

Verse 4. ⁴ Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?

Verse 5. ⁵ Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

Verse 6. ⁶ But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?

Verse 7. ⁷ Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?

Verse 8. ⁸ If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:

Verse 9. ⁹ But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.

Verse 10. ¹⁰ For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.

Verse 11. ¹¹ For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.

Verse 12. ¹² So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.

Verse 13. ¹³ For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.