James 2:4

Partial. Gr. diakrino, “to make distinctions,” “to differentiate” (cf. on James 1:6).

Such partiality is really an indication of uncertainty over the plain teachings of the Lord regarding humility and service for others. By this double standard, according to which the rich and the poor are treated so differently, the church members are denying by deed their professed allegiance to the lowly Jesus (see on James 2:1). By showing partiality such persons show they are double-minded (James 1:8), halting between God and the world.

Thoughts. Gr. dialogismois, “reasonings.” The apostle calls the partial ones “judges” because they have expressed their judgment by their conduct. They judged the rich and the poor by un-Christlike standards. Their judgment in making a distinction between the rich and the poor was based on a false sense of values — the standard usually practiced by the “world” (see James 1:27). To a genuine Christian the soul of the poor man is worth as much as the soul of the rich man, Calvary being the great equalizer.