James 2:1-9 ▼

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.