James 1:26-2:7

English Standard Version

²⁶ If anyone thinks he is religious ^(A)and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's ^(B)religion is worthless. ²⁷ Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: ^(C)to visit ^(D)orphans and widows in their affliction, and ^(E)to keep oneself ^(F)unstained from the world.

The Sin of Partiality

2 My brothers,^{[a] (G)}show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, ^(H)the Lord of glory. ² For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, ³ and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” ^(I)while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” ⁴ have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become ^(J)judges with evil thoughts? ⁵ Listen, my beloved brothers, ^(K)has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be ^(L)rich in faith and heirs of ^(M)the kingdom, ^(N)which he has promised to those who love him? ⁶ But you ^(O)have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who ^(P)drag you ^(Q)into court? ⁷ Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable ^(R)name by which you were called?