“It is not good to show partiality to the wicked, or to overthrow the righteous in judgment” (Proverbs 18:5).
To be a respecter of persons is to ungodly (Rom. 2:11). To be a respecter of wicked persons is to be among the worst of the ungodly.
(As observed in yesterday’s blog) James 2:1-7 declares four cold, hard truths about the wickedness of partiality. (It arises out of evil motives/a divided heart. It is completely out of step with God and His ways. It is illogical. It honors blasphemers of the holy name of Jesus.)
To leave no stone unturned, James sates five facts about how evil it is for a Christian to be a respecter of persons. It is written: “If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well; but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors. For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. For He who said, ‘Do not commit adultery,’ also said, ‘Do not murder.’ Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment” (James 2:8-13).
- A respecter of persons is guilty of transgressing the royal law (vv. 8-9).
- A respecter of persons is a sin-doer (v. 9).
- A respecter of persons is a spiritual criminal (vv.10-11).
- A respecter of persons is speaking and acting foolishly (v. 12).
- A respecter of persons is being unmerciful (v. 13).
Truly, “to show partiality is not good” (Prov. 28:21).
