James 2:5-7

Hearken As if he had said, Stay, consider, ye that judge thus. Does not the presumption lie rather in favour of the poor man? Hath not God chosen the poor That is, are not they whom God hath chosen, generally speaking, poor in this world, who yet are rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom Consequently the most honourable of men? And those whom God so highly honours, ought not ye to honour likewise? But ye Christians, that know better; have despised Ητιμασατε, have dishonoured, or disgraced; the poor By such conduct. Do not rich men, &c. As if he had said, You have little reason to show so much respect to them, if you consider what their carriage toward you has been; those whom you court with so much respect and assiduity, oppress Καταδυναστευουσιν, tyrannise over you, and draw Or drag; you before the judgment-seats Are not most of the rich men your persecutors, rather than your friends? Do not they blaspheme that worthy name Of God and of Christ; by which ye are called And which deserves to be had in the highest esteem and veneration by all intelligent beings? The apostle speaks chiefly of rich heathen: but are Christians, so called, a whit behind them in persecuting the disciples of Jesus?