James 2:1–9

Favoritism Forbidden

2 My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorioust Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.u 2 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. 3 If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judgesv with evil thoughts?

5 Listen, my dear brothers and sisters:w Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the worldx to be rich in faithy and to inherit the kingdomz he promised those who love him?a 6 But you have dishonored the poor.b Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court?c 7 Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong?

8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,”a d you are doing right. 9 But if you show favoritism,e you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.f