James 1:26-2:9
New International Version
26 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues(A) deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. 27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after(B) orphans and widows(C) in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.(D)
Favoritism Forbidden
2 My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious(E) Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.(F) 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 judges(G) with evil thoughts?
5 Listen, my dear brothers and sisters:(H) Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world(I) to be rich in faith(J) and to inherit the kingdom(K) he promised those who love him?(L) 6 But you have dishonored the poor.(M) Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court?(N) 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](O) you are doing right. 9 But if you show favoritism,(P) you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.(Q)
Footnotes
- James 2:8 Lev. 19:18
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