James 2:1-13

1My brethren, do not have the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, [Lord] of glory, with respect of persons:

2for if there come unto your synagogue a man with a gold ring in splendid apparel, and a poor man also come in in vile apparel,

3and ye look upon him who wears the splendid apparel, and say, Do thou sit here well, and say to the poor, Do thou stand there, or sit here under my footstool:

4have ye not made a difference among yourselves, and become judges having evil thoughts?

5Hear, my beloved brethren: Has not 1God chosen the poor as to the world, rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to them that love him?

6But ye have despised the poor [man]. Do not the rich oppress you, and [do not] they drag you before [the] tribunals?

7And [do not] they blaspheme the excellent name which has been called upon you?

8If indeed ye keep [the] royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well.

9But if ye have respect of persons, ye commit sin, being convicted by the law as transgressors.

10For whoever shall keep the whole law and shall offend in one [point], he has come under the guilt of [breaking] all.

11For he who said, Thou shalt not commit adultery, said also, Thou shalt not kill. Now if thou dost not commit adultery, but killest, thou art become transgressor of [the] law.

12So speak ye, and so act, as those that are to be judged by [the] law of liberty;

13for judgment [will be] without mercy to him that has shewn no mercy. Mercy glories over judgment.