Scripture reading

James 2:1-13

KJV ¹ My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. 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; 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: ⁴ Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? 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? ⁶ But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? ⁷ Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? ⁸ If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: ⁹ But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. ¹⁰ For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. 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. ¹² So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. ¹³ For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. CEV ¹ My friends, if you have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, you won't treat some people better than others. ² Suppose a rich person wearing fancy clothes and a gold ring comes to one of your meetings. And suppose a poor person dressed in worn-out clothes also comes. ³ You must not give the best seat to the one in fancy clothes and tell the one who is poor to stand at the side or sit on the floor. ⁴ This is the same as saying that some people are better than others, and you would be acting like a crooked judge. ⁵ My dear friends, pay attention. God has given a lot of faith to the poor people in this world. God has also promised them a share in his kingdom that he will give to everyone who loves him. ⁶ You mistreat the poor. But isn't it the rich who boss you around and drag you off to court? ⁷ Aren't they the ones who make fun of your Lord? ⁸ You will do all right, if you obey the most important law in the Scriptures. It is the law that commands us to love others as much as we love ourselves. ⁹ But if you treat some people better than others, you have done wrong, and the Scriptures teach that you have sinned. ¹⁰ If you obey every law except one, you are still guilty of breaking them all. ¹¹ The same God who told us to be faithful in marriage also told us not to murder. So even if you are faithful in marriage, but murder someone, you still have broken God's Law. ¹² Speak and act like people who will be judged by the law that sets us free. ¹³ Do this, because on the day of judgment there will be no pity for those who have not had pity on others. But even in judgment, God is merciful!

Commentary

Verse 1

James 2:1

KJV ¹ My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. CEV ¹ My friends, if you have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, you won't treat some people better than others.

My brethren

See on James 1:2

KJV ² My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; CEV ² My friends, be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble.
. This common phrase is especially suitable because of the stress here placed on the principle of equality. If church members keep themselves “unspotted from the world” (James 1:21

KJV ²¹ Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. CEV ²¹ You must stop doing anything immoral or evil. Instead be humble and accept the message planted in you to save you.
), they will carefully avoid discriminating between fellow believers because of wealth or poverty.

Have not

The context suggests that there had been favoritism in the church toward the “rich.” The apostle’s counsel was therefore directed to an immediate problem in local churches.

Faith of our Lord

The Greek may mean either “our Lord’s faith” or “faith in our Lord.” Here, the context implies that the latter is intended (see on Mark 11:22

KJV ²² And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. CEV ²² Jesus told his disciples: Have faith in God!
; Ephesians 3:12

KJV ¹² In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. CEV ¹² Christ now gives us courage and confidence, so we can come to God by faith.
).

Glory

Literally, “the glory” (cf. 1 Corinthians 2:8

KJV ⁸ Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. CEV ⁸ The rulers of this world didn't know anything about this wisdom. If they had known about it, they would not have nailed the glorious Lord to a cross.
). Our Lord Jesus possesses all the prerogatives of Deity (see Vol. V, p. 919). He is the “King of glory” (Psalm 24:7

KJV ⁷ Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. CEV ⁷ Open the ancient gates, so that the glorious king may come in.
). In proper perspective, even the richest of men is poor compared with the saint who shares the inheritance of the Lord of “glory” (see on Romans 8:17

KJV ¹⁷ And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. CEV ¹⁷ His Spirit lets us know that together with Christ we will be given what God has promised. We will also share in the glory of Christ, because we have suffered with him.
).

Respect of persons

Gr. prosôpolêpsiai, “acts of partiality” (see on Romans 2:11

KJV ¹¹ For there is no respect of persons with God. CEV ¹¹ God doesn't have any favorites!
). In keeping themselves “unspotted from the world” (James 1:27

KJV ²⁷ Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. CEV ²⁷ Religion that pleases God the Father must be pure and spotless. You must help needy orphans and widows and not let this world make you evil.
) church members must be careful lest riches and worldly position are made qualifications for church office, in place of the needed spiritual graces.

Verse 2

James 2:2

KJV 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; CEV ² Suppose a rich person wearing fancy clothes and a gold ring comes to one of your meetings. And suppose a poor person dressed in worn-out clothes also comes.

For

James now gives a practical illustration revealing the dangers of partiality.

Assembly

Gr. sunagôgê, “meeting,” “assembly.” This is the only place in the NT where sunagôgê is applied to the Christian church.

With a gold ring

Gr. chrusodaktulios, “with a gold ring [or “rings”] on one’s finger[s].” Rings were common ornaments of the rich.

Goodly

Gr. lampros, “shining,” “magnificent,” “splendid” (cf. Luke 23:11

KJV ¹¹ And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate. CEV ¹¹ Herod and his soldiers made fun of Jesus and insulted him. They put a fine robe on him and sent him back to Pilate.
; Revelation 18:14

KJV ¹⁴ And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all. CEV ¹⁴ Babylon, the things your heart desired have all escaped from you. Every luxury and all your glory will be lost forever. You will never get them back.
).

Vile raiment

That is, unwashed and poorly kept clothing, in contrast with the elegant clothing of the rich. James here seems to refer to those who casually visit the worship service of Christians rather than to the members themselves. These visitors were evidently being treated according to their riches, one neglected and another honored.

Verse 3

James 2:3

KJV 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: CEV ³ You must not give the best seat to the one in fancy clothes and tell the one who is poor to stand at the side or sit on the floor.

Have respect

Or, “look upon,” “regard,” with a concern to please.
Gay. Gr. lampros (see on James 2:2

KJV 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; CEV ² Suppose a rich person wearing fancy clothes and a gold ring comes to one of your meetings. And suppose a poor person dressed in worn-out clothes also comes.
).

In a good place

Gr. kalös, which some think here means “comfortably,” and others, “please” (see RSV). Regardless of the reading, the picture is of deference and fawning respect.

Stand

The poor man is given no courteous consideration. The alternative is between standing inconspicuously along the wall or sitting on the floor between the footstools of the presumably more respected members or guests.

Under

That is, beside, another’s footstool. Having a footstool as well as a seat, this favored person treats the poor man as though he were not worth the least attention.

Verse 4

James 2:4

KJV ⁴ Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? CEV ⁴ This is the same as saying that some people are better than others, and you would be acting like a crooked judge.

Partial

Gr. diakrinö, “to make distinctions,” “to differentiate” (cf. on James 1:6

KJV ⁶ But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. CEV ⁶ But when you ask for something, you must have faith and not doubt. Anyone who doubts is like an ocean wave tossed around in a storm.
). Such partiality is really an indication of uncertainty over the plain teachings of the Lord regarding humility and service for others. By this double standard, according to which the rich and the poor are treated so differently, the church members are denying by deed their professed allegiance to the lowly Jesus (see on James 2:1

KJV ¹ My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. CEV ¹ My friends, if you have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, you won't treat some people better than others.
). By showing partiality such persons 4show they are double-minded (James 1:8

KJV ⁸ A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. CEV ^7-8 If you are that kind of person, you can't make up your mind, and you surely can't be trusted. So don't expect the Lord to give you anything at all.
), halting between God and the world.

Thoughts

Gr. dialogismois, “reasonings.” The apostle calls the partial ones “judges” because they have expressed their judgment by their conduct. They judged the rich and the poor by un-Christlike standards. Their judgment in making a distinction between the rich and the poor was based on a false sense of values—the standard usually practiced by the “world” (see James 1:27

KJV ²⁷ Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. CEV ²⁷ Religion that pleases God the Father must be pure and spotless. You must help needy orphans and widows and not let this world make you evil.
). To a genuine Christian the soul of the poor man is worth as much as the soul of the rich man. Calvary being the great equalizer.

Verse 5

James 2:5

KJV 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? CEV ⁵ My dear friends, pay attention. God has given a lot of faith to the poor people in this world. God has also promised them a share in his kingdom that he will give to everyone who loves him.

Hearken

As it were, James here brings these self-constituted judges to trial (James 2:4

KJV ⁴ Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? CEV ⁴ This is the same as saying that some people are better than others, and you would be acting like a crooked judge.
) Brethren. See on James 1:2

KJV ² My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; CEV ² My friends, be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble.
; James 2:1

KJV ¹ My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. CEV ¹ My friends, if you have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, you won't treat some people better than others.
.

Chosen

Gr. eklegomai (see on Romans 8:33

KJV ³³ Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. CEV ³³ If God says his chosen ones are acceptable to him, can anyone bring charges against them?
). The form of the Greek word here used emphasizes that God chooses men for Himself. That is. He chooses men who make it a life habit to contemplate, and to trust in, Jesus (see on John 6:40

KJV ⁴⁰ And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. CEV ⁴⁰ My Father wants everyone who sees the Son to have faith in him and to have eternal life. Then I will raise them to life on the last day.
). God will take unto Himself only those who genuinely desire to be like Him. Paul also uses eklegomai to describe God’s choice of the “base things of the world” in the formation of the Christian church (see on 1 Corinthians 1:26-28

KJV ²⁶ For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: ²⁷ But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; ²⁸ And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: CEV ²⁶ My dear friends, remember what you were when God chose you. The people of this world didn't think that many of you were wise. Only a few of you were in places of power, and not many of you came from important families. ²⁷ But God chose the foolish things of this world to put the wise to shame. He chose the weak things of this world to put the powerful to shame. ²⁸ What the world thinks is worthless, useless, and nothing at all is what God has used to destroy what the world considers important.
).

Poor of this world

That is, poor in the estimation of this world. Because the “world” (see on ch. 1:27) judges a man’s worth on the basis of his material possessions, the poor are often despised by those more fortunate. However, Christ has pronounced a blessing on them, teaching that His kingdom will be made up largely of the poor (see on Luke 6:20-25

KJV ²⁰ And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. ²¹ Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. ²² Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. ²³ Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets. ²⁴ But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation. ²⁵ Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep. CEV (Matthew 5.
1-12) ²⁰ Jesus looked at his disciples and said: God will bless you people who are poor. His kingdom belongs to you! ²¹ God will bless you hungry people. You will have plenty to eat! God will bless you people who are now crying. You will laugh! ²² God will bless you when others hate you and won't have anything to do with you. God will bless you when people insult you and say cruel things about you, all because you are a follower of the Son of Man. ²³ Long ago your own people did these same things to the prophets. So when this happens to you, be happy and jump for joy! You will have a great reward in heaven. ²⁴ But you rich people are in for trouble. You have already had an easy life! ²⁵ You well-fed people are in for trouble. You will go hungry! You people who are laughing now are in for trouble. You are going to cry and weep!
). Men are not called because they are poor but because they are willing to give wholehearted loyalty to Jesus Christ and to trust Him completely (see on Matthew 6:33

KJV ³³ But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. CEV ³³ But more than anything else, put God's work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well.
). The possessions of the rich man often become a substitute for trust in God. Consequently, complete confidence in Christ may not seem so needful to the rich man as it does to the poor man.

Rich in faith

That is, rich in the exercise of faith. The same man may be poor in the eyes of the world but rich in the sight of God.

Heirs of the kingdom

James is here speaking of the future kingdom of glory, the plan for which was laid prior to the entrance of sin into our world (see Daniel 7:27

KJV ²⁷ And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him. CEV ²⁷ “Then the greatest kingdom of all will be given to the chosen ones of God Most High. His kingdom will be eternal, and all others will serve and obey him.”
; see on Matthew 25:34

KJV ³⁴ Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: CEV ³⁴ Then the king will say to those on his right, “My father has blessed you! Come and receive the kingdom that was prepared for you before the world was created.
). Christians are not only heirs but “joint-heirs” with Jesus, and obtain all the privileges that such an honor imparts (see on Romans 8:17

KJV ¹⁷ And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. CEV ¹⁷ His Spirit lets us know that together with Christ we will be given what God has promised. We will also share in the glory of Christ, because we have suffered with him.
). This “kingdom” may be compared with the “crown of life” (James 1:12

KJV ¹² Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. CEV ¹² God will bless you, if you don't give up when your faith is being tested. He will reward you with a glorious life, just as he rewards everyone who loves him.
), which also is given “to them that love him.”

Verse 6

James 2:6

KJV ⁶ But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? CEV ⁶ You mistreat the poor. But isn't it the rich who boss you around and drag you off to court?

Despised

Gr. atimazö, “to dishonor.” The first sentence of this verse seems to be more closely connected in thought with James 2:5

KJV 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? CEV ⁵ My dear friends, pay attention. God has given a lot of faith to the poor people in this world. God has also promised them a share in his kingdom that he will give to everyone who loves him.
. God’s dealings with men are contrasted with those of the church members James here refers to. God treats all men alike, preferring no man on the basis of worldly status. If God had judged and selected men as these church members were doing, how very few of them would then have been in the church and become “heirs of the kingdom” (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:26

KJV ²⁶ For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: CEV ²⁶ My dear friends, remember what you were when God chose you. The people of this world didn't think that many of you were wise. Only a few of you were in places of power, and not many of you came from important families.
). This practice of discrimination may have appeared to nonchurch members as standard Christian procedure, and it is this false representation of Jesus Christ that James is anxious to avoid (see on James 2:1

KJV ¹ My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. CEV ¹ My friends, if you have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, you won't treat some people better than others.
).

Rich

That is, the rich as a class, most particularly the rich Jews (see James 2:7

KJV ⁷ Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? CEV ⁷ Aren't they the ones who make fun of your Lord?
). The early persecution of the Christian church was instigated by the politically powerful Jews, notably the Sadducees (see Vol. V, p. 52; see on Acts 8:1

KJV ¹ And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. CEV ¹ ^1-2 Saul approved the stoning of Stephen. Some faithful followers of the Lord buried Stephen and mourned very much for him. At that time the church in Jerusalem suffered terribly. All of the Lord's followers, except the apostles, were scattered everywhere in Judea and Samaria.
), the traditional oppressors of the poor.

Oppress

Gr. katadunasteuö, “to exercise harsh control.” The same Greek word is used to describe the afflictions by Satan (see Acts 10:38

KJV ³⁸ How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. CEV ³⁸ God gave the Holy Spirit and power to Jesus from Nazareth. He was with Jesus, as he went around doing good and healing everyone who was under the power of the devil.
). Church members are to treat others as they would wish to be treated (see on Matthew 7:12

KJV ¹² Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. CEV ¹² Treat others as you want them to treat you. This is what the Law and the Prophets are all about.
). James reminds the “partial” (James 2:4

KJV ⁴ Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? CEV ⁴ This is the same as saying that some people are better than others, and you would be acting like a crooked judge.
) church members of the injustices inflicted on them by the “rich,” and thereby urges these members to avoid any similar oppression of the “poor” in their congregation.

Judgment seats

Gr. /criteria, “courts of justice” (see on 1 Corinthians 6:2, 1 Corinthians 6:4

KJV ⁴ If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church. CEV ⁴ Why do you take everyday complaints to judges who are not respected by the church?
). These courts need not be confined to the Jewish tribunals, although Jewish men of wealth frequently led out in the persecution (see Acts 16:19

KJV ¹⁹ And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers, CEV ¹⁹ When the girl's owners realized they had lost all chances for making more money, they grabbed Paul and Silas and dragged them into court.
; Acts 17:6

KJV ⁶ And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also; CEV ⁶ But when they did not find them there, they dragged out Jason and some of the Lord's followers. They took them to the city authorities and shouted, “Paul and Silas have been upsetting things everywhere. Now they have come here,
; Acts 18:12

KJV ¹² And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat, CEV ¹² While Gallio was governor of Achaia, some of the Jewish leaders got together and grabbed Paul. They brought him into court
).

Verse 7

James 2:7

KJV ⁷ Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? CEV ⁷ Aren't they the ones who make fun of your Lord?

They

Emphasis is placed upon this word in the Greek. It refers back to the “rich men” in James 2:6

KJV ⁶ But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? CEV ⁶ You mistreat the poor. But isn't it the rich who boss you around and drag you off to court?
. Is it not “they,” these very rich ones who blaspheme your Lord, to whom you are disposed to give preference?

Blaspheme

Obviously these rich blasphemers were either unbelieving Jews (see Acts 13:45

KJV ⁴⁵ But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. CEV ⁴⁵ When the Jewish people saw the crowds, they were very jealous. They insulted Paul and spoke against everything he said.
) or heathen, for no Christian would “blaspheme” the name of Jesus Christ. It was obedience to Christ that made normal living so difficult in the first few centuries of the Christian Era.

Worthy

Gr. kalos, “beautiful,” “excellent,” “honorable.”

Name

Undoubtedly, the name of Christ, by which the disciples were known (see on Acts 11:26

KJV ²⁶ And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. CEV ²⁶ He found Saul and brought him to Antioch, where they met with the church for a whole year and taught many of its people. There in Antioch the Lord's followers were first called Christians.
) and for which they suffered (see Acts 5:41

KJV ⁴¹ And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. CEV ⁴¹ The apostles left the council and were happy, because God had considered them worthy to suffer for the sake of Jesus.
; 1 Peter 4:14-16

KJV ¹⁴ If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. ¹⁵ But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. ¹⁶ Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. CEV ¹⁴ Count it a blessing when you suffer for being a Christian. This shows that God's glorious Spirit is with you. ¹⁵ But you deserve to suffer if you are a murderer, a thief, a crook, or a busybody. ¹⁶ Don't be ashamed to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God that you belong to him.
). The name of Christ is “worthy,” or “honorable,” for it reflects honor and imparts worth to those who bear it.

Which ye are called

A similar expression is found in Acts 15:17

KJV ¹⁷ That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things. CEV ¹⁷ Then other nations will turn to me and be my chosen ones. I, the Lord, say this.
in the speech of James (see Amos 9:12

KJV ¹² That they may possess the remnant of Edom, and of all the heathen, which are called by my name, saith the Lord that doeth this. CEV ¹² Then you will capture Edom and the other nations that are mine. I, the Lord, have spoken, and my words will come true.
). James is saying that in view of these arrogant practices of “rich men” (James 2:6

KJV ⁶ But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? CEV ⁶ You mistreat the poor. But isn't it the rich who boss you around and drag you off to court?
) the rich visitor does not deserve the fawning partiality granted him when he visits the church. Church members are to show respect for the rich, but no more than the respect and consideration they show the poor.

Verse 8

James 2:8

KJV ⁸ If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: CEV ⁸ You will do all right, if you obey the most important law in the Scriptures. It is the law that commands us to love others as much as we love ourselves.

If

Literally, “if indeed.”

Fulfil

Gr. te/eo, “to bring to completion,” “to perform perfectly.” Teleö is stronger than têreô (James 2:10

KJV ¹⁰ For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. CEV ¹⁰ If you obey every law except one, you are still guilty of breaking them all.
). Compareplêroô “fulfill,” in Matthew 5:18

KJV ¹⁸ For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. CEV ¹⁸ Heaven and earth may disappear. But I promise you not even a period or comma will ever disappear from the Law. Everything written in it must happen.
, which is used in the sense of “fill full.”

Royal

Gr. basilikos, “belonging to a king,” hence, “chief,” “supreme.” “Royal law” may thus mean either a law given by a king, here the King of heaven, or a supreme law. The law of love is the supreme principle upon which all other sacred law hangs. This “royal law,” the Decalogue, which is also called the “perfect law” (see on James 1:25

KJV ²⁵ But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. CEV ²⁵ But you must never stop looking at the perfect law that sets you free. God will bless you in everything you do, if you listen and obey, and don't just hear and forget.
; cf. GC 466 [ID:1650627777623]), is based on this principle.

Scripture

Gr. graphê, literally, “writing.” The rule of Christian practice is settled by the Scriptures. James, in common with other NT writers, employed the term graphê to denote the OT (see on 2 Timothy 3:16

KJV ¹⁶ All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: CEV ¹⁶ Everything in the Scriptures is God's Word. All of it is useful for teaching and helping people and for correcting them and showing them how to live.
). The precept to “love thy neighbour as thyself’ first appears in Leviticus 19:18

KJV ¹⁸ Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord. CEV ¹⁸ Don't be angry or try to take revenge. I am the Lord, and I command you to love others as much as you love yourself.
, and is endorsed and strengthened by the teachings of Christ (see on Matthew 5:43

KJV ⁴³ Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. CEV (Luke 6.
27,28,32-36) ⁴³ You have heard people say, “Love your neighbors and hate your enemies.”
; Matthew 19:16-19

KJV ¹⁶ And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? ¹⁷ And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. ¹⁸ He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, ¹⁹ Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. CEV (Mark 10.
17-31; Luke 18.
18-30) ¹⁶ A man came to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to have eternal life?” ¹⁷ Jesus said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? Only God is good. If you want to have eternal life, you must obey his commandments.” ¹⁸ “Which ones?” the man asked. Jesus answered, “Do not murder. Be faithful in marriage. Do not steal. Do not tell lies about others. ¹⁹ Respect your father and mother. And love others as much as you love yourself.”
; Matthew 22:37-40

KJV ³⁷ Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. ³⁸ This is the first and great commandment. ³⁹ And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. ⁴⁰ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. CEV ³⁷ Jesus answered: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. ³⁸ This is the first and most important commandment. ³⁹ The second most important commandment is like this one. And it is, “Love others as much as you love yourself.” ⁴⁰ All the Law of Moses and the Books of the Prophets are based on these two commandments.
; Luke 10:27-29

KJV ²⁷ And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. ²⁸ And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. ²⁹ But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour? CEV ²⁷ The man replied, “The Scriptures say, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind.’ They also say, ‘Love your neighbors as much as you love yourself.’ ” ²⁸ Jesus said, “You have given the right answer. If you do this, you will have eternal life.” ²⁹ But the man wanted to show that he knew what he was talking about. So he asked Jesus, “Who are my neighbors?”
; John 13:34

KJV ³⁴ A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. CEV ³⁴ But I am giving you a new command. You must love each other, just as I have loved you.
).

Ye do well

The divine approbation rests on the church member who lives out this law of love perfectly in his daily life. But this law applies to the poor as well as to the rich, for both are “neighbours” and without partiality should be considered as equals. Loving only the “rich” as “thyself’ is not fulfilling the law.

Verse 9

James 2:9

KJV ⁹ But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. CEV ⁹ But if you treat some people better than others, you have done wrong, and the Scriptures teach that you have sinned.

Respect

See on James 2:3

KJV 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: CEV ³ You must not give the best seat to the one in fancy clothes and tell the one who is poor to stand at the side or sit on the floor.

Sin

By showing deference to the “rich,” Christians could conceivably think that they were fulfilling the law of love. But this very law shows that they are sinning by their practice of exhibiting partiality in their dealings with people.

Convinced

Gr. elegchö, “to convict [with proof of guilt],” “to expose” (see on John 16:8

KJV ⁸ And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: CEV ⁸ The Spirit will come and show the people of this world the truth about sin and God's justice and the judgment.
).

Law

The law is the perfect standard of righteousness by which the deeds of men are evaluated (see on Romans 3:20

KJV ²⁰ Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. CEV ²⁰ God doesn't accept people simply because they obey the Law. No, indeed! All the Law does is to point out our sin.
; James 1:25

KJV ²⁵ But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. CEV ²⁵ But you must never stop looking at the perfect law that sets you free. God will bless you in everything you do, if you listen and obey, and don't just hear and forget.
).

Transgressors

Gr. parabatai, literally, “those who deviate from the [true] way.”

Verse 10

James 2:10

KJV ¹⁰ For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. CEV ¹⁰ If you obey every law except one, you are still guilty of breaking them all.

Keep

Gr. tëreô, “to guard,” “to attend to carefully.” James here sets forth the example of a church member who supposedly keeps the whole law, save for one point. He does not say that such an example actually exists.

Offend

Gr. ptaiö, “to stumble,” “to fail in one’s duty.”

Point

The law is not a mere collection of isolated precepts; it is a perfect harmonious transcript of the divine will. All the precepts are manifestations of love at work, either to God or to our fellow men. To select that part of the law that is convenient and to ignore the claims of the rest, even if in only one detail, reveals a desire to do our own will and not God’s. The unity of love is broken and the basis sin of selfish willfulness appears.

Guilty of all

Lawbreaking, whether civil or religious, need not be a violation of all the laws—one violation is enough. The basic question if loyalty to authority is the primary problem, and one violation is sufficient to show the disposition of the heart.

“A glass that is struck at only one point is nevertheless shattered. The law is not a set of ten pins, one of which may be knocked down while the others are left standing. The law is a unit, its unity is love; to violate it at one point is to violate love as such, the whole of it” (R. C. H. Lenski, Interpretation of the Epistle to the Hebrews and of the Epistle of James, Wartburg Press, Columbus, Ohio, 1946, p. 572).

As a chain is snapped by the failure of its weakest link, as one note may spoil the whole harmony, as one wounded part injures the entire body, or as leprosy in any part causes the whole man to be called leprous, so the breaking of one commandment spoils the completeness and harmony of the whole law for the transgressor.

Verse 11

James 2:11

KJV 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. CEV ¹¹ The same God who told us to be faithful in marriage also told us not to murder. So even if you are faithful in marriage, but murder someone, you still have broken God's Law.

He

There is only one Lawgiver (cf. James 4:12

KJV ¹² There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another? CEV ¹² or God who gave it. God is our judge, and he can save or destroy us. What right do you have to condemn anyone?
), the law being the expression of His will (see on Exodus 20:1

KJV ¹ And God spake all these words, saying, CEV (Deuteronomy 5.
1-21) ¹ God said to the people of Israel:
). Thus His authority is equally revealed in each of the ten precepts spoken by Him on Sinai, and whoever deliberately violates one commandment rebels against the expressed will of God.

Said

Probably a reference to the fact that the Lord spoke the Ten Commandments (see Exodus 20:1

KJV ¹ And God spake all these words, saying, CEV (Deuteronomy 5.
1-21) ¹ God said to the people of Israel:
; Deuteronomy 5:26

KJV ²⁶ For who is there of all flesh, that hath heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as we have, and lived? CEV ²⁶ Has anyone else ever heard the only true God speaking from fire, as we have? And even if they have, would they live to tell about it?
).

Do not commit adultery

The apostle cites two of the Ten Commandments as examples, although any other two would have been equally illustrative. The Lord Himself cited these same two commandments in the Sermon on the Mount, where He shows that they may be violated in the heart as well as by an overt act (see Matthew 5:21-28

KJV ²¹ Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: ²² But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. ²³ Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; ²⁴ Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. ²⁵ Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. ²⁶ Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing. ²⁷ Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: ²⁸ But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. CEV ²¹ You know our ancestors were told, “Do not murder” and “A murderer must be brought to trial.” ²² But I promise you if you are angry with someone, you will have to stand trial. If you call someone a fool, you will be taken to court. And if you say that someone is worthless, you will be in danger of the fires of hell. ²³ So if you are about to place your gift on the altar and remember that someone is angry with you, ²⁴ leave your gift there in front of the altar. Make peace with that person, then come back and offer your gift to God. ²⁵ Before you are dragged into court, make friends with the person who has accused you of doing wrong. If you don't, you will be handed over to the judge and then to the officer who will put you in jail. ²⁶ I promise you will not get out until you have paid the last cent you owe. ²⁷ You know the commandment which says, “Be faithful in marriage.” ²⁸ But I tell you if you look at another woman and want her, you are already unfaithful in your thoughts.
). With this illustration James shows that the keeping of one part of the law does not cancel the violation of another part. No earthly judge will pardon the violation of one law simply because the culprit has kept many other laws. Thus, the church members who excused their deference to the rich as a carrying out of the law of love are reminded that this practice does not cancel their injustices to the poor. The unity of genuine Christian love is shattered.

Transgressor

See on James 2:9

KJV ⁹ But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. CEV ⁹ But if you treat some people better than others, you have done wrong, and the Scriptures teach that you have sinned.

Law

The spirit of the whole law is thus violated and reveals a lack of full commitment to God’s will.

Verse 12

James 2:12

KJV ¹² So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. CEV ¹² Speak and act like people who will be judged by the law that sets us free.

Speak

In summation, the apostle exhorts his fellow church members to strive for a daily practice of speaking and doing that is conformable to God’s law. James’s assertion that men are responsible for their words and deeds is characteristic of him, and is another allusion to the teachings of Christ (see Matthew 12:36-37

KJV ³⁶ But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. ³⁷ For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. CEV ³⁶ I promise you on the day of judgment, everyone will have to account for every careless word they have spoken. ³⁷ On that day they will be told they are either innocent or guilty because of the things they have said.
).

Judged

The life record of every man will one day be reviewed by God (see on Acts 17:31

KJV ³¹ Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. CEV ³¹ He has set a day when he will judge the world's people with fairness. And he has chosen the man Jesus to do the judging for him. God has given proof of this to all of us by raising Jesus from death.
; 2 Corinthians 5:10

KJV ¹⁰ For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. CEV ¹⁰ After all, Christ will judge each of us for the good or the bad that we do while living in these bodies.
).

Law of liberty

See on James 1:25

KJV ²⁵ But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. CEV ²⁵ But you must never stop looking at the perfect law that sets you free. God will bless you in everything you do, if you listen and obey, and don't just hear and forget.
. In addition to the Decalogue, the other “words” which Jesus spoke will also finally judge men (see on John 12:48

KJV ⁴⁸ He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. CEV ⁴⁸ But everyone who rejects me and my teachings will be judged on the last day by what I have said.
). “Sin can triumph only by enfeebling the mind, and destroying the liberty of the soul. Subjection to God is restoration to one’s self,—to the true glory and dignity of man. The divine law, to which we are brought into subjection, is ‘the law of liberty’” (DA 466). See Mishnah Aboth 6.2.

Verse 13

James 2:13

KJV ¹³ For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. CEV ¹³ Do this, because on the day of judgment there will be no pity for those who have not had pity on others. But even in judgment, God is merciful!

Judgment

James concludes his specific counsel concerning favoritism to the rich. The scriptural warning of judgment without mercy to those who fail to practice mercy is an equitable principle, and is set forth in both the OT (see on 2 Samuel 22:26-27

KJV ²⁶ With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful, and with the upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright. ²⁷ With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself unsavoury. CEV ²⁶ You are always loyal to your loyal people, and you are faithful to the faithful. ²⁷ With all who are sincere you are sincere, but you treat the unfaithful as their deeds deserve.
; Proverbs 21:13

KJV ¹³ Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard. CEV ¹³ If you won't help the poor, don't expect to be heard when you cry out for help.
) and the NT (see on Matthew 5:7

KJV ⁷ Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. CEV ⁷ God blesses those people who are merciful. They will be treated with mercy!
; Matthew 6:15

KJV ¹⁵ But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. CEV ¹⁵ But if you don't forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.
; Matthew 7:1

KJV ¹ Judge not, that ye be not judged. CEV (Luke 6.
37,38,41,42) ¹ Don't condemn others, and God won't condemn you.
, Matthew 18:21-35

KJV ²¹ Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? ²² Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. ²³ Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. ²⁴ And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. ²⁵ But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. ²⁶ The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. ²⁷ Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. ²⁸ But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. ²⁹ And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. ³⁰ And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. ³¹ So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. ³² Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: ³³ Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? ³⁴ And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. ³⁵ So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses. CEV ²¹ Peter came up to the Lord and asked, “How many times should I forgive someone who does something wrong to me? Is seven times enough?” ²² Jesus answered: Not just 7 times, but 77 times! ²³ This story will show you what the kingdom of heaven is like: One day a king decided to call in his officials and ask them to give an account of what they owed him. ²⁴ As he was doing this, one official was brought in who owed him 50,000,000 silver coins. ²⁵ But he didn't have any money to pay what he owed. The king ordered him to be sold, along with his wife and children and all he owned, in order to pay the debt. ²⁶ The official got down on his knees and began begging, “Have pity on me, and I will pay you every cent I owe!” ²⁷ The king felt sorry for him and let him go free. He even told the official that he did not have to pay back the money. ²⁸ But as this official was leaving, he happened to meet another official, who owed him 100 silver coins. So he grabbed the man by the throat. He started choking him and said, “Pay me what you owe!” ²⁹ The man got down on his knees and began begging, “Have pity on me, and I will pay you back.” ³⁰ But the first official refused to have pity. Instead, he went and had the other official put in jail until he could pay what he owed. ³¹ When some other officials found out what had happened, they felt sorry for the man who had been put in jail. Then they told the king what had happened. ³² The king called the first official back in and said, “You're an evil man! When you begged for mercy, I said you did not have to pay back a cent. ³³ Don't you think you should show pity to someone else, as I did to you?” ³⁴ The king was so angry that he ordered the official to be tortured until he could pay back everything he owed. ³⁵ That is how my Father in heaven will treat you, if you don't forgive each of my followers with all your heart.
; Matthew 25:41-46

KJV ⁴¹ Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: ⁴² For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: ⁴³ I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. ⁴⁴ Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? ⁴⁵ Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. ⁴⁶ And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. CEV ⁴¹ Then the king will say to those on his left, “Get away from me! You are under God's curse. Go into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels! ⁴² I was hungry, but you did not give me anything to eat, and I was thirsty, but you did not give me anything to drink. ⁴³ I was a stranger, but you did not welcome me, and I was naked, but you did not give me any clothes to wear. I was sick and in jail, but you did not take care of me.” ⁴⁴ Then the people will ask, “Lord, when did we fail to help you when you were hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in jail?” ⁴⁵ The king will say to them, “Whenever you failed to help any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you failed to do it for me.” ⁴⁶ Then Jesus said, “Those people will be punished forever. But the ones who pleased God will have eternal life.”
).

Mercy

Gr. eleos, “compassion,” “pity,” “mercy.” Compare on Matthew 5:7

KJV ⁷ Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. CEV ⁷ God blesses those people who are merciful. They will be treated with mercy!
(see Additional Note on Ps. 36

KJV ¹ The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes. ² For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful. ³ The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, and to do good. ⁴ He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way that is not good; he abhorreth not evil. ⁵ Thy mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds. ⁶ Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O Lord, thou preservest man and beast. ⁷ How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. ⁸ They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. ⁹ For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light. ¹⁰ O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart. ¹¹ Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me. ¹² There are the workers of iniquity fallen: they are cast down, and shall not be able to rise. CEV (For the music leader by David, the Lord's servant.) ¹ Sinners don't respect God; sin is all they think about. ² They like themselves too much to hate their own sins or even to see them. ³ They tell deceitful lies, and they don't have the sense to live right. ⁴ Those people stay awake, thinking up mischief, and they follow the wrong road, refusing to turn from sin. ⁵ Your love is faithful, Lord, and even the clouds in the sky can depend on you. ⁶ Your decisions are always fair. They are firm like mountains, deep like the sea, and all people and animals are under your care. ⁷ Your love is a treasure, and everyone finds shelter in the shadow of your wings. ⁸ You give your guests a feast in your house, and you serve a tasty drink that flows like a river. ⁹ The life-giving fountain belongs to you, and your light gives light to each of us. ¹⁰ Our Lord, keep showing love to everyone who knows you, and use your power to save all whose thoughts please you. ¹¹ Don't let those proud and merciless people kick me around or chase me away. ¹² Look at those wicked people! They are knocked down, never to get up again. 36.
1 : Ro 3.
18.
; see on Micah 6:8

KJV ⁸ He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? CEV ⁸ The Lord God has told us what is right and what he demands: “See that justice is done, let mercy be your first concern, and humbly obey your God.”
).

Rejoiceth

Gr. katakauchaomai, “to exult over,” “to boast against.” The merciful man faces the judgment with glad confidence, unafraid. He knows that God will be merciful to those who show mercy. In showing mercy God does not dispense with justice as Satan had charged. The cross proved the falsity of this charge (see DA 761, 762 [ID:1650626837569]), and revealed the transcendent splendor of the quality of mercy divine (see on Psalm 85:10

KJV ¹⁰ Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. CEV ¹⁰ Love and loyalty will come together; goodness and peace will unite.
).