James 2:7

7 and the very people who speak evil of the noble Name by which you are called?

James 2:7 Meaning and Commentary

Ver. 7 Do they not blaspheme that worthy name
Of Christ, or Christians;

by the which ye are called?
and which, as before, may design either unbelieving rich men, whether among Jews, or Gentiles, who blasphemed and cursed the name of Christ, and compelled others to do so likewise; or such who professed the Christian religion, who by their supercilious and disdainful treatment of their poor brethren, and by their dragging of them to the tribunals of the Heathens, and distressing them with vexatious law suits there, caused the name of Christ, after which they were called Christians, to be blasphemed and evil spoken of, among the Gentiles.

James 2:7 In-Context

5 Listen, my dearly-loved brethren. Has not God chosen those whom the world regards as poor to be rich in faith and heirs of the Kingdom which He has promised to those that love Him?

6 But *you* have put dishonour upon the poor man. Yet is it not the rich who grind you down? Are not they the very people who drag you into the Law courts? --

7 and the very people who speak evil of the noble Name by which you are called?

8 If, however, you are keeping the Law as supreme, in obedience to the Commandment which says "You are to love your fellow man just as you love yourself," you are acting rightly.

9 But if you are making distinctions between one man and another, you are guilty of sin, and are convicted by the Law as offenders.