James 2:13
Verse
Context
Sermons




Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For he shall have judgment - He who shows no mercy to man, or, in other words, he who does not exercise himself in works of charity and mercy to his needy fellow creatures, shall receive no mercy at the hand of God; for he hath said, Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. The unmerciful therefore are cursed, and they shall obtain no mercy. Mercy rejoiceth against judgment - These words are variously understood. 1. Mercy, the merciful man, the abstract for the concrete, exults over judgment, that is, he is not afraid of it, having acted according to the law of liberty, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. 2. Ye shall be exalted by mercy above judgment. 3. For he (God) exalts mercy above judgment. 4. A merciful man rejoices rather in opportunities of showing mercy, than in acting according to strict justice. 5. In the great day, though justice might condemn every man according to the rigour of the law, yet God will cause mercy to triumph over justice in bringing those into his glory who, for his sake, had fed the hungry, clothed the naked, ministered to the sick, and visited the prisoners. See what our Lord says, Matthew 25:31-46. In the MSS. and versions there is a considerable variety of readings on this verse, and some of the senses given above are derived from those readings. The spirit of the saying may be found in another scripture, I will have mercy and not sacrifice - I prefer works of charity and mercy to every thing else, and especially to all acts of worship. The Royal Law, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, should particularly prevail among men, because of the miserable state to which all are reduced by sin, so that each particularly needs the help of his brother.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The converse of, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy" (Mat 5:7). Translate, "The judgment (which is coming on all of us) shall be without mercy to him who hath showed no mercy." It shall be such toward every one as every one shall have been [BENGEL]. "Mercy" here corresponds to "love," Jam 2:8. mercy rejoiceth against judgment--Mercy, so far from fearing judgment in the case of its followers, actually glorifieth against it, knowing that it cannot condemn them. Not that their mercy is the ground of their acquittal, but the mercy of God in Christ towards them, producing mercy on their part towards their fellow men, makes them to triumph over judgment, which all in themselves otherwise deserve.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For he shall have judgment without mercy,.... Strict justice, and no mercy shown him: that hath showed no mercy; to the poor brethren, and distressed members of Christ, but has shown respect of persons to the hurt of the poor, and has despised and oppressed them, instead of relieving and comforting them; so the rich man, that neglected Lazarus at his gates, is refused a drop of water to cool his tongue; and the servant that cruelly insisted on his fellow servant's paying him all he owed, justly incurred the displeasure of his Lord, and was by him delivered to the tormentors; and that servant that beats his fellow servants will be cut asunder, and, have his portion with hypocrites; and such who have seen any of the brethren of Christ hungry, thirsty, naked, sick, and in prison, and have showed no regard for them, will hear, "Go, ye cursed, into everlasting fire": and mercy rejoiceth against judgment; that is merciful men, who have shown mercy to the poor saints, will not be afraid of the awful judgment, but rather rejoice or glory, as the word signifies, in the view of it, since they will obtain mercy at that day, and hear, Come, ye blessed of my Father, &c. Mat 25:34 so the Ethiopic version renders it, he only shall glory in the day of judgment, who hath showed mercy; the Alexandrian copy reads in the imperative, "let mercy glory", &c. and the Syriac version, "be ye exalted by mercy over judgment".
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:13 James concludes this section (2:1-13) by correlating divine mercy with human mercy (see also Matt 6:14-15; Eph 4:32).
James 2:13
A Warning against Favoritism
12Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom.13For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Forgiveness
By Keith Daniel2.9K1:25:38ForgivenessISA 53:5MAT 5:7MAT 6:12MAT 6:14MAT 16:24MAT 18:21JAS 2:13In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the central theme of the Bible, which is the cross of Jesus Christ. He specifically highlights Isaiah 53 as a passage that reveals the significance of the cross. The preacher shares a powerful testimony of a young man who experienced the brokenness of his family and the impact of sin. He also addresses the importance of forgiveness in the context of a father's relationship with his wayward child, drawing parallels to the father heart of God. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the transformative power of the cross and the need for forgiveness and reconciliation in our lives.
Beatitudes - Part 9
By Leonard Ravenhill2.6K1:13:38BeatitudesMAT 5:7JAS 2:13In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of a man who had a difficult life. He was sent by his father to his brothers, but they betrayed him and sold him into slavery. He ended up in Egypt, where he was thrown into a pit again. The preacher draws parallels between this man's story and the betrayal of Jesus, who was also sold out of envy. The sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual self-reflection and the need for mercy and love in our actions, as demonstrated in the Sermon on the Mount.
We Will All Stand Before the Judgment of God
By John Piper1.5K48:49MAT 5:7ROM 14:12PHP 2:10JAS 2:13REV 20:12In this sermon, John Piper emphasizes the importance of having a genuine faith in Jesus Christ. He explains that it is not the quantity of good or evil deeds that saves a person, but rather the evidence of God's work in their life. Piper refers to the story of the thief on the cross as an example of how God's grace can transform a person's heart in an instant. He then discusses the concept of the final judgment and the doctrine of persevering grace, highlighting the need for believers to trust, love, and obey God.
I Know What Your Calling Is!
By Carter Conlon1.5K46:36EZK 22:30LUK 10:30JHN 3:17HEB 4:16JAS 2:13This sermon emphasizes the critical calling on the church in a season of history, urging believers to stand in the gap for mercy and restoration. It highlights the need for intercession, faith, and a deep understanding of God's mercy over judgment, calling for a collective prayer movement to see a miraculous outpouring of God's mercy in New York City and beyond.
(The Church in the Last Days) 04 - Double Minded Adulteress
By Milton Green1.4K58:19LUK 4:18LUK 6:362CO 6:1JAS 1:8JAS 2:13JAS 4:7In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following the Word of God rather than the traditions of men. He warns against judging others, as judgment will be returned to the one who judges. The speaker then moves on to discuss the need to cleanse ourselves from all impurities, referencing James 4. He concludes by highlighting the characteristics of those who have not been defiled and have kept themselves pure, emphasizing the importance of being blameless as the bride of Christ.
What God Requires - Mercy
By Zac Poonen1.4K1:04:01PRO 19:17MIC 6:8MAT 5:48LUK 6:36LUK 10:36GAL 6:10EPH 4:32COL 3:12JAS 2:13This sermon emphasizes the importance of being merciful and treating others with kindness and dignity, highlighting the need to show mercy and be fair to those around us. It delves into the concept of being perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect, focusing on the aspect of mercy as an area where we can strive for perfection. The message encourages listeners to be generous, preserve the dignity of others, and cultivate a spirit of mercy and righteousness in their interactions with people.
God Requires Honesty and Compassion - Part 1
By Zac Poonen1.2K09:16PRO 11:17MIC 6:8MAT 5:7MAT 7:12LUK 6:36ROM 2:1PHP 2:3JAS 2:131JN 1:9This sermon focuses on the message from Micah 6, emphasizing the importance of treating others fairly, showing mercy, and walking humbly with God. It highlights the need to do justice by treating others as we want to be treated, love kindness by forgiving others, and walk humbly by acknowledging our mistakes without blaming others. The speaker urges honesty in acknowledging faults and emphasizes the significance of kindness towards others, reflecting Jesus' example of compassion even in the face of mistreatment.
Six Verse of Our Vision
By Zac Poonen1.2K59:32MAT 7:1ACT 20:35ROM 12:11CO 11:31JAS 2:131PE 5:5This sermon emphasizes the importance of staying true to the initial vision of a church, focusing on humility, mercy, faith, grace, and self-reflection. It highlights the need to maintain a clear vision, avoid pride, trust in God's provision, prioritize giving over receiving, and practice self-judgment to avoid harsh judgment in the final day.
Hatred for Sin
By David Wilkerson99237:30SinMAT 6:33MAT 7:1LUK 6:36ROM 2:21JAS 2:13JAS 5:11In this sermon, the speaker addresses the topic of hatred for sin. He shares a personal experience of feeling anger towards someone but then being convicted by God to listen and show mercy. The speaker emphasizes the importance of having the love of Jesus in our hearts, rather than just outwardly bringing people to church. He also references the story of David in 2 Samuel 12, where David's anger towards sin is evident. The sermon concludes with a call for individuals to acknowledge their sins and seek forgiveness from God.
Fit or Misfit? (Part 11): The Motivational Gift of Mercy
By Richard Sipley96942:13PSA 103:10MAT 5:7MAT 6:33LUK 6:36ROM 12:6EPH 2:1JAS 2:13In this sermon, the speaker discusses the seven motivational gifts that God has given to believers. These gifts include well-prepared sermons, practical assistance, in-depth Bible studies, personal counseling, generous financial assistance, smooth-running organization, and special outreach and concern for individuals. The speaker focuses on the gift of mercy, emphasizing the importance of showing mercy with cheerfulness. He shares a story of a woman who demonstrated mercy by hiding and helping two spies from an invading army, ultimately saving her and her family. The sermon concludes by mentioning that the next sermon will address the spiritual gifts, specifically the sign gifts.
Forgiveness as a Way of Life
By Al Whittinghill7641:07:38ForgivenessMAT 5:23MAT 6:14MAT 18:21EPH 4:32COL 3:13JAS 2:13In this sermon, the central theme is the importance of having right relationships and the power that comes from God working in our relationships. The speaker shares a personal story of a minister who experienced the tragic loss of his daughter and the subsequent struggles his family faced. Despite their pain, the minister and a stranger prayed together for God to break down the hardness in their lives. The sermon emphasizes the need for forgiveness and the transformative power of God's word in healing broken relationships.
Worshipping God When Suffering
By Zac Poonen7231:13:20JOB 42:7ISA 53:3MAT 5:7MAT 7:1JHN 3:17HEB 10:7JAS 2:13JAS 5:11This sermon emphasizes the importance of following the example of Jesus and Job in living a life of humility, mercy, and forgiveness. It highlights the need to focus on our own sins rather than judging others, to be merciful and understanding towards those who misunderstand or criticize us, and to trust in God's provision and guidance in all circumstances. The message encourages a life of simplicity, forgiveness, and reliance on God's grace.
When Christians Make Mistakes
By Carter Conlon66639:50PSA 22:1ISA 6:5MRK 11:24LUK 22:62ACT 1:14ACT 12:12ROM 8:28JAS 2:13This sermon focuses on the theme of Christians making mistakes and feeling distant from God, emphasizing the need to come back to Him with honesty and openness. It highlights the importance of understanding God's mercy, the tendency to substitute human reasoning for divine counsel, the danger of writing off people God hasn't written off, and the significance of praying with genuine faith in God's ability to answer. The message encourages individuals to trust in God's plan, embrace His mercy, and come back to Him, acknowledging their flaws and relying on His grace.
All That Jesus Taught Bible Study - Part 12
By Zac Poonen65225:59MAT 5:3MAT 6:15MAT 28:20ROM 8:28ROM 12:19HEB 4:15HEB 5:7JAS 2:13This sermon delves into the neglected half of the Great Commission, focusing on teaching and obeying all that Jesus commanded. It emphasizes the importance of having the right attitudes as disciples, contrasting God's ways with the world's ways. The message highlights the significance of hungering and thirsting for righteousness, being merciful, and maintaining purity of heart to see God in all circumstances.
Sermon on the Mount - Part 3 David Servant
By David Servant64728:30MAT 5:6MAT 5:16GAL 5:22HEB 12:14JAS 2:13This sermon delves into the Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing the importance of evaluating one's spiritual condition. It highlights the characteristics of the blessed, such as hungering and thirsting for righteousness, being merciful, having a pure heart, and being peacemakers. The sermon challenges listeners to assess whether they align with these qualities and to seek God's transformation in their lives.
Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment
By Mike Bickle261:02:46MercyJudgmentPSA 18:35MIC 7:18MAT 5:7MAT 9:13MAT 12:7JHN 3:27ROM 8:1HEB 12:14JAS 2:131PE 4:8Mike Bickle emphasizes that mercy triumphs over judgment, illustrating how receiving and extending mercy is more transformative than criticism or judgment in all aspects of life. He warns against misinterpreting mercy as a license for wrongdoing, stressing that true mercy aligns with God's terms and leads to genuine repentance and obedience. Bickle encourages believers to respond with mercy to others, especially those who mistreat us, as this fosters freedom in our hearts and relationships. He highlights the biblical principle that the measure we use to judge others will be used against us, urging a shift from a critical spirit to one of kindness and understanding. Ultimately, Bickle reassures that God's mercy is abundant and should inspire us to extend that same mercy to others.
Jesus' Ministry (Jn. 5; Mt. 12; Mk. 3; Lk. 6)
By Mike Bickle201:16:25MercyAuthority of JesusPSA 147:3ISA 42:1MAT 9:13MAT 11:28MRK 2:27LUK 6:6JHN 5:1JHN 9:1JAS 2:13Mike Bickle discusses Jesus' ministry, focusing on His deliberate actions during the Sabbath that challenged the religious norms of the time. He highlights the healing of a man at the pool of Bethesda and the subsequent controversy it sparked among the Jewish leaders, emphasizing that Jesus prioritized human need over rigid ceremonial laws. Bickle explains that Jesus' authority as the Lord of the Sabbath allows Him to redefine the purpose of the Sabbath, which is meant for man's benefit, not as a burden. The sermon illustrates how Jesus' compassion and mercy are central to His ministry, inviting all to experience healing and restoration. Ultimately, Bickle encourages believers to embrace the mercy of Christ and to understand that He desires wholeness for all.
Righteousness Without Grace.
By John Nelson Darby0RestorationGraceMAT 7:1LUK 6:36JHN 13:10ROM 5:212CO 5:18GAL 6:1EPH 2:8COL 3:13JAS 2:131PE 4:8John Nelson Darby emphasizes that righteousness alone, without grace, fails to win the hearts of individuals. He argues that while righteous actions may seem just, they do not restore souls or foster true reconciliation among believers. Instead, he highlights the importance of grace in conjunction with righteousness, suggesting that many sins remain unaddressed and relationships severed due to a lack of compassionate outreach. Darby calls for a shift from judgment to a humble, loving approach that seeks to engage the heart, rather than merely the conscience, in the process of restoration.
Pharisees Have No Justice, No Mercy and No Faithfulness
By Zac Poonen0FaithfulnessMercyJusticeMIC 6:8MAT 5:7MAT 23:23LUK 6:36GAL 5:22JAS 2:13Zac Poonen emphasizes that the Pharisees, despite their religious practices, lacked true justice, mercy, and faithfulness, which are the weightier matters of the law. He illustrates their hypocrisy by comparing them to a bride who is more concerned with appearance than purity, highlighting that selfishness and pride can mask true spirituality. Poonen calls for a recognition of these essential qualities in our lives, urging believers to focus on genuine faith rather than mere religious activities. The sermon challenges listeners to examine their hearts and prioritize justice, mercy, and faithfulness in their walk with God.
(The Full Gospel) 18. Learning Gentleness From Jesus
By Zac Poonen0GentlenessMercyISA 28:21ZEP 3:17MAT 5:7MAT 11:29MAT 23:13LUK 10:25JHN 4:17JHN 8:1EPH 4:2JAS 2:13Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of learning gentleness and humility from Jesus, as instructed in Matthew 11:29. He contrasts Christ's gentle approach to sinners with the harshness of the Pharisees, highlighting that true gentleness involves not probing into others' pasts or judging them harshly. Poonen warns against the sin of curiosity and encourages believers to embody Christ's gentleness in their interactions, reminding them that mercy is essential for receiving mercy from God. He calls for a self-examination of how believers preach and treat others, urging them to reflect Christ's character in their lives.
Comforted of God
By David Wilkerson0Comforting OthersMercyPSA 86:15ISA 49:13MAT 5:7LUK 6:36ROM 12:102CO 1:4EPH 4:32COL 3:12JAS 2:131PE 3:8David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of showing mercy and kindness to others as a form of comfort, sharing a personal story of a church member who felt supported during a difficult time caring for his ailing mother. He highlights that true mercy is often found in simple, everyday actions, such as a smile or a sympathetic word. Wilkerson reminds us that we cannot extend comfort to others if we are preoccupied with our own struggles and fail to recognize God's mercy in our lives. The sermon encourages believers to be merciful, as those who have received God's comfort are called to share it with others.
The Gift of Showing Mercy
By Chuck Smith0MercyCharacter Of GodEXO 34:62SA 22:26PSA 103:8PRO 28:13MIC 6:8MAT 5:7LUK 6:36ROM 12:8HEB 4:16JAS 2:13Chuck Smith emphasizes the necessity of showing mercy as a command from God, contrasting it with justice, which is getting what one deserves. He explains that true mercy should be shown cheerfully, reflecting God's nature, and not with reluctance or guilt. Smith illustrates this through biblical examples, including Job's friends and Jacob's acknowledgment of God's mercy, highlighting that mercy is a gift from God that we are called to extend to others. He stresses that our ability to receive mercy is linked to our willingness to show it to others, as taught by Jesus. Ultimately, the sermon calls believers to embody God's merciful character in their interactions with others.
Matthew 5:7
By Chuck Smith0MercyGraceMAT 5:7LUK 6:36EPH 2:4JAS 2:13Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of mercy in the life of a Christian, stating that being merciful is a fundamental characteristic that reflects one's true nature as a follower of Christ. He explains that mercy involves not just a feeling of pity but also a desire to alleviate the suffering of others, drawing parallels to biblical examples such as the Good Samaritan and Joseph's forgiveness of his brothers. Smith warns against legalism and highlights that true mercy is rooted in grace, reminding us that we too have received mercy from God. Ultimately, he encourages believers to embody mercy in their daily lives as a testament to their faith.
Matthew 7:12
By Chuck Smith0Golden RuleRelationshipsMAT 7:12MAT 22:37LUK 6:31ROM 13:10GAL 5:14JAS 2:13Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of the Golden Rule as articulated in Matthew 7:12, urging believers to treat others as they wish to be treated. He highlights the importance of context, particularly in relation to grace and mercy, and contrasts the negative formulations of this principle found in other philosophies with Jesus' positive command. Smith encourages self-reflection on how we desire to be treated in various situations, asserting that this rule encapsulates the essence of the law and the prophets. Ultimately, he calls for the practical application of this principle in our daily lives, rather than merely acknowledging its wisdom.
The Duty of Forgiving Those Who Sin Against Us Matthew 18:15-35
By R.A. Torrey0MercyForgivenessMAT 5:44MAT 18:15EPH 4:32COL 3:13JAS 2:13R.A. Torrey emphasizes the critical duty of forgiving those who sin against us, as outlined in Matthew 18:15-35. He explains the steps to take when addressing an offending brother, highlighting the importance of private confrontation before escalating the matter to the church. Torrey illustrates the boundless nature of forgiveness through the parable of the unmerciful servant, stressing that our own forgiveness from God is contingent upon our willingness to forgive others. He warns that failing to show mercy can lead to severe consequences, as God expects us to reflect His grace in our interactions. Ultimately, the sermon calls believers to embody the spirit of forgiveness, mirroring God's compassion and mercy in their lives.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For he shall have judgment - He who shows no mercy to man, or, in other words, he who does not exercise himself in works of charity and mercy to his needy fellow creatures, shall receive no mercy at the hand of God; for he hath said, Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. The unmerciful therefore are cursed, and they shall obtain no mercy. Mercy rejoiceth against judgment - These words are variously understood. 1. Mercy, the merciful man, the abstract for the concrete, exults over judgment, that is, he is not afraid of it, having acted according to the law of liberty, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. 2. Ye shall be exalted by mercy above judgment. 3. For he (God) exalts mercy above judgment. 4. A merciful man rejoices rather in opportunities of showing mercy, than in acting according to strict justice. 5. In the great day, though justice might condemn every man according to the rigour of the law, yet God will cause mercy to triumph over justice in bringing those into his glory who, for his sake, had fed the hungry, clothed the naked, ministered to the sick, and visited the prisoners. See what our Lord says, Matthew 25:31-46. In the MSS. and versions there is a considerable variety of readings on this verse, and some of the senses given above are derived from those readings. The spirit of the saying may be found in another scripture, I will have mercy and not sacrifice - I prefer works of charity and mercy to every thing else, and especially to all acts of worship. The Royal Law, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, should particularly prevail among men, because of the miserable state to which all are reduced by sin, so that each particularly needs the help of his brother.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The converse of, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy" (Mat 5:7). Translate, "The judgment (which is coming on all of us) shall be without mercy to him who hath showed no mercy." It shall be such toward every one as every one shall have been [BENGEL]. "Mercy" here corresponds to "love," Jam 2:8. mercy rejoiceth against judgment--Mercy, so far from fearing judgment in the case of its followers, actually glorifieth against it, knowing that it cannot condemn them. Not that their mercy is the ground of their acquittal, but the mercy of God in Christ towards them, producing mercy on their part towards their fellow men, makes them to triumph over judgment, which all in themselves otherwise deserve.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For he shall have judgment without mercy,.... Strict justice, and no mercy shown him: that hath showed no mercy; to the poor brethren, and distressed members of Christ, but has shown respect of persons to the hurt of the poor, and has despised and oppressed them, instead of relieving and comforting them; so the rich man, that neglected Lazarus at his gates, is refused a drop of water to cool his tongue; and the servant that cruelly insisted on his fellow servant's paying him all he owed, justly incurred the displeasure of his Lord, and was by him delivered to the tormentors; and that servant that beats his fellow servants will be cut asunder, and, have his portion with hypocrites; and such who have seen any of the brethren of Christ hungry, thirsty, naked, sick, and in prison, and have showed no regard for them, will hear, "Go, ye cursed, into everlasting fire": and mercy rejoiceth against judgment; that is merciful men, who have shown mercy to the poor saints, will not be afraid of the awful judgment, but rather rejoice or glory, as the word signifies, in the view of it, since they will obtain mercy at that day, and hear, Come, ye blessed of my Father, &c. Mat 25:34 so the Ethiopic version renders it, he only shall glory in the day of judgment, who hath showed mercy; the Alexandrian copy reads in the imperative, "let mercy glory", &c. and the Syriac version, "be ye exalted by mercy over judgment".
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:13 James concludes this section (2:1-13) by correlating divine mercy with human mercy (see also Matt 6:14-15; Eph 4:32).