But let the brother of low position be glad that he is lifted up;

It was God's purpose to bring us into being [spiritually] by the message of truth, so that we could become a kind of "firstfruits" of those He created. [Note: "Firstfruits" here suggests either that Christians are the best of all of God's creatures (Num. 18:12), or that they were the first to be converted, with many more to come].

My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. For if there come into your assembly a man with a gold ring,

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;

For whoever shall keep the whole law and shall offend in one point, he has come under the guilt of breaking all.

For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; but [to the one who has shown mercy] mercy triumphs [victoriously] over judgment.

If a brother or sister is without [adequate] clothing and lacks [enough] food for each day,

but who could ever tame the tongue? arm'd with deadly poison, the mischief scorns restraint.

Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.

Is anyone among you suffering? He must pray. Is anyone joyful? He is to sing praises [to God].