James 2:4

4 are ye not then partial in yourselves and have become judges with evil thoughts?

James 2:4 Meaning and Commentary

James 2:4

Are ye not then partial in yourselves
That is, guilty of such partiality as must appear to yourselves, and your own consciences must accuse you of; or do not ye distinguish, or make a difference among yourselves, by such a conduct, towards the rich and the poor:

and are become judges of evil thoughts;
or "are distinguishers by evil thoughts"; that is, make a distinction between the rich and the poor, by an evil way of thinking, that one is better than the other, and to be preferred before him.

James 2:4 In-Context

2 For if there come into 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 for him that weareth the grand clothing and say unto him, "Sit thou here in a good place," and say to the poor man, "Stand thou there," or, "Sit here under my footstool,"

4 are ye not then partial in yourselves and have become judges with 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 those who love Him?

6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you and drag you before the judgment seats?