1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. |
2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; |
3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: |
4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? |
5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? |
6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? |
7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? |
8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: |
9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. |
10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. |
11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. |
12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. |
13 For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. |
