James Chapter 2 — Commentary on Verse 9

    But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.

    Here is the second part of the apostle’s answer. In the former part there was the concession, you are doing right if you obey the law; but here is the correction: you are behaving contrary to the law, and so it is a sin.

    Ifyoushowfavoritism. That is, this is not a duty as you claim, but it is a sin; and whatever you think, the law, which is Christ’s rule, will find you guilty.

    Andareconvictedbythelaw. This may be understood either generally, that whatever they claim, the law would find them out; or else, more especially, it may be understood of the law that they urged: “Loveyourneighborasyourself”—which required equal respect for the neighbor, whether rich or poor. Or else the apostle means the law against showing favoritism to people: “Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly” (Leviticus 19:15).

    Aslawbreakers. In the Greek the word for as implies reality, not just similarity; that is, you are indeed lawbreakers.

    Notes on Verse 9

    Note1. The Word and rule reveal wickedness when our blind consciences do not. Conscience is but a weak light. “Look after yourself” is the language of corrupt nature. We need to attend upon the Word and consult with the law, not the crooked rule of our own consciences.

    Note2. It is only a crafty pretense when one part of the law is appealed to in order to excuse disobedience to another; for when we pick and choose, we do not fulfill God’s will but our own. Conscience must be satisfied with something. So people usually please themselves by obeying what is least contrary to their interests and inclinations. Beware of such a partial obedience.