This is one of the most straightforward sections—and one of the most universally indicting—in the book of James. If there’s anything we have learned about James so far, it’s that he has a strong distaste for worthless religion. To James, talk is cheap—and yet, our words matter more than we realize. How we talk to others and about others is a critical indicator of our overall spiritual health and maturity.

James continues the theme of doing and working versus being hearers only and deceiving ourselves (1:22). A faith that is lacking in external evidence of works is useless and dead. James argues that you can’t separate the two because true faith is proven by its fruit – works.

James offers a hypothetical scenario of favoritism as an example of how people act out of step with God’s heart. We become judges with evil thoughts when we take it upon ourselves to ascribe value rather than exhibit the love of Christ for each other.