James 2:1-13 - Partiality Forbidden

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 fine apparel, and there come in also a poor man in shabby clothing; 3 And you have respect to him that wears the fine clothing, and say unto him, Sit here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand there, or sit here under my footstool: 4 Are you not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?

5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Has not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he has promised to them that love him? 6 But you have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judges? 7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by which you are called?

8 If you fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, You shall love your neighbor as yourself, you do well: 9 But if you have respect to persons, you commit sin, and are convicted 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 you commit no adultery, yet you kill, you are become a transgressor of the law.

12 So speak, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. 13 For he shall have judgment without mercy, that has showed no mercy; and mercy triumphs over judgment.