James 2:12

12 Speak and act like people who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom.

James 2:12 Meaning and Commentary

James 2:12

So speak ye, and so do
Both words and actions should be taken care of; it becomes men to observe what they say, and what they do; for both sinful words and works are transgressions of the law, and will be brought to judgment; every idle word, as well as every evil work, both open and secret, men must give an account of in the day of judgment: wherefore it is incumbent on them so to behave,

as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty:
(See Gill on James 1:25) with which compare ( Romans 2:12 Romans 2:16 ) . Heathens will be judged by the law of nature, Jews by the law of Moses, and those who live under the Gospel dispensation, according to the Gospel of Christ.

James 2:12 In-Context

10 Suppose you keep the whole law but trip over just one part of it. Then you are guilty of breaking all of it.

11 God said, "Do not commit adultery."(Exodus 20:14; Deuteronomy 5:18) He also said, "Do not commit murder."(Exodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 5:17) Suppose you don't commit adultery but do commit murder. Then you have broken the Law.

12 Speak and act like people who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom.

13 Those who have not shown mercy will not receive mercy when they are judged. To show mercy is better than to judge.

14 My brothers and sisters, what good is it if people claim they have faith but don't act like it? Can that kind of faith save them?