James 2:1-11 ▼

1 My brothers (and sisters), as you⁺ hold out your faith in our glorious Lord {Kyriou} Jesus (YHWH saves) Christ (the Anointed One), do not show favoritism.

2 Suppose a man comes into your⁺ meeting \your synagogue/ wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in.

3 If you⁺ lavish attention on the man in fine clothes and say, “Here is a seat of honor, but say to the poor man, “You must stand or “Sit at my feet,

4 have you⁺ not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

5 Listen, my beloved {agapētoi} brothers (and sisters): Has not God {Theos} chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love {agapōsin} Him?

6 But you⁺ have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who oppress you⁺ and drag you⁺ into court?

7 Are they not the ones who blaspheme the noble name by which you⁺ have been called (the noble name invoked upon you)?

8 If you⁺ really fulfill the royal law stated in Scripture, “Love {Agapēseis} your neighbor as yourself ,” you⁺ are doing well.

9 But if you⁺ show favoritism, you⁺ sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.

10 Whoever keeps the whole law but stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.

11 For He who said, “Do not commit adultery ,” also said, “Do not murder .” If you do not commit adultery, but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.