James 2:1-4

My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others? For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, "You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor"--well, doesn't this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives?

 

My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ

Acts 7:2  This was Stephen's reply: "Brothers and fathers, listen to me. Our glorious God appeared to our ancestor Abraham in Mesopotamia before he settled in Haran."

1 Corinthians 2:8  But the rulers of this world have not understood it; if they had, they would not have crucified our glorious Lord. (see verses 1-9)

 

if you favor some people over others? (see verses 2-3) 

James 2:9  But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law.

Leviticus 19:15  "Do not twist justice in legal matters by favoring the poor or being partial to the rich and powerful. Always judge people fairly." 

Deuteronomy 1:16-17  "At that time I instructed the judges, 'You must hear the cases of your fellow Israelites and the foreigners living among you. Be perfectly fair in your decisions and impartial in your judgments. Hear the cases of those who are poor as well as those who are rich. Don't be afraid of anyone's anger, for the decision you make is God's decision. Bring me (Moses) any cases that are too difficult for you, and I will handle them.' " (see verses 9-18)

2 Chronicles 19:7  "Fear the LORD and judge with integrity, for the LORD our God does not tolerate perverted justice, partiality, or the taking of bribes." (see all chapter 19)

 

--well, doesn't this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives?" 

1 Samuel 16:7  But the LORD said to Samuel, "Don't judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (see verses 1-13)

Isaiah 11:3-4  He will delight in obeying the LORD. He will not judge by appearance nor make a decision based on hearsay. He will give justice to the poor and make fair decisions for the exploited. The earth will shake at the force of his word, and one breath from his mouth will destroy the wicked. (see all chapter 11)

John 7:24  "Look beneath the surface so you can judge correctly." (see verses 10-24)

 

(parentheses are mine)

 

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Limited to 15 verses per post.