Judging One Another (4:11–12)

In v. 11 the RV omits ‘evil’ (cf. Rom. 1:30; 2 C. 12:20; 1 Pet. 2:1, 12; 3:16). or judges: Instead of AV ‘and judgeth’. ‘And’ is simpler, for evil-speaking and judging are not strictly alternatives, but ‘or’ (which is found in the most ancient MSS) may suggest that in some cases the ‘uncharitable act’ is more prominent, in others the ‘judicial assumption’. For the law see 2:8. That the reference is to the command: ‘Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself’ seems plain from the reference to the neighbor in v. 12 (so RV and RSV instead of AV ‘another’). The verse is found in Lev. 19:18 and in v. 16 evil speaking is forbidden. The person who judges his brother disobeys the law, thus putting himself above it and treating it with contempt (cf. Mt. 7:1–5; Rom. 14:4–13). The three-fold repetition of ‘brother’ in v. 11 is calculated to emphasize the unbrotherliness of the conduct. 12. one Lawgiver and Judge: Though Christ is called judge in 5:9 ‘one lawgiver’ points rather to God (cf. Isa. 33:22; Mt. 10:28; Jn 19:11; Rom. 2:16; 3:6; 13:1; Heb. 12:23; 13:4).

12 In passing judgment, this critic of a fellow-Christian has usurped a position of authority that is reserved for God alone. God is the "one Lawgiver and Judge." Since he gave the law, he is qualified to judge those who are responsible to keep it. That he is "able to save and destroy" is proof that he is in a position to enforce the law, rewarding those who keep it and punishing those who violate it. "But you—who are you?" catches James's full force here. With shattering bluntness, he crushes any right his readers may have claimed to sit in judgment over others. This is not to rule out civil courts and judges, but it does root out the harsh, unkind, critical spirit that continually finds fault with others.

29 Not only will Christians do "the good" (v.28); they will also speak "what is helpful." No unhealthy language will pass through their lips. "Unwholesome" is that which is itself rotten and disseminates rottenness. When joined with "talk", it may signify not simply bad language but malicious gossip and slander; anything that injures others and sparks dissension is covered by this expression. Christians, however, will only say what is calculated to build up the church (Eph 2:21-22; 4:12, 16) by encouraging its members. This is to be done whenever the need arises, so that those who hear may receive a blessing. The ultimate source of all blessing is God himself. The channel may be human, and so even the everyday conversation of Christians may become a means of grace to others.