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James 2:13

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

James 2:13

Verse 13 of 26

Scripture focus

For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.

James 2:13 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on James 2:13

Theological / Devotional

Judgment. James concludes his specific counsel concerning favoritism to the rich. The scriptural warning of judgment without mercy to those who fail to practice mercy is an equitable principle, and is set forth in both the OT (see on 2 Sam. 22:26, 27; Prov. 21:13) and the NT (see on Matt. 5:7 ; 6:15; 7:1, 18:21-35; 25:41-46).

Mercy. Gr. eleos, “compassion,” “pity,” “mercy.” Compare on Matt. 5:7 (see Additional Note on Ps. 36; see on Micah 6:8).

Rejoiceth. Gr. katakauchaomai, “to exult over,” “to boast against.” The merciful man faces the judgment with glad confidence, unafraid. He knows that God will be merciful to those who show mercy. In showing mercy God does not dispense with justice as Satan had charged. The cross proved the falsity of this charge (see DA 761, 762), and revealed the transcendent splendor of the quality of mercy divine (see on Ps. 85:10).

By SdaBc