So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free.
Parallel translations
- WEB So speak, and so do, as men who are to be judged by a law of freedom.
- KJV So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.
- BSB Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom.
- NKJV So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty.
- NASB So speak, and so act, as those who are to be judged by the law of freedom.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Believers should speak and act as those who will be judged by the law of liberty. Awareness of coming judgment should shape our words and deeds.
Overview
James calls his readers to live in light of accountability before the "law of freedom"—the gospel-shaped standard by which believers will be assessed. This law liberates yet still summons us to genuine obedience flowing from grace. Both speech and conduct fall under this scrutiny, reinforcing the call to impartial, loving action.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 5
- Jas 1:25But he who looks into the perfect law of freedom, and continues, not being a hearer who forgets, but a doer of the work, this man will be blessed in what he does.
- Jas 2:8However, if you fulfill the royal law, according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well.
- Phil 4:8Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things.
- 2 Pet 1:4–8by which he has granted to us his precious and exceedingly great promises; that through these you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world by lust.
- Col 3:17Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father, through him.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
The wisdom from above and the royal law of love are the life of those who belong to 'our glorious Lord Jesus Christ' — faith in him made visible in works.
How James 2:12 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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