James 2:12

“So speak ye, and so do, etc.] Both words and actions should be taken care of; it becomes men to observe what they say, and what they do; for both sinful words and works are transgressions of the law, and will be brought to judgment; every idle word, as well as every evil work, both open and secret, men must give an account of in the day of judgment: wherefore it is incumbent on them so to behave, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty: (See Gill on “<590125>James 1:25”) with which compare ( <450212>Romans 2:12,16). Heathens will be judged by the law of nature, Jews by the law of Moses, and those who live under the Gospel dispensation, according to the Gospel of Christ.”

“Summing up of the previous reasonings. speak--referring back to Jam 1:19, Jam 1:26; the fuller discussion of the topic is given Jam 3:5-12. judged by the law of liberty-- (Jam 1:25); that is, the Gospel law of love, which is not a law of external constraint, but of internal, free, instinctive inclination. The law of liberty, through God's mercy, frees us from the curse of the law, that henceforth we should be free to love and obey willingly. If we will not in turn practice the law of love to our neighbor, that law of grace condemns us still more heavily than the old law, which spake nothing but wrath to him who offended in the least particular (Jam 2:13). Compare Mat 18:32-35; Joh 12:48; Rev…”

“So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty - On the phrase, “the law of liberty,” see the notes at James 1:25. Compare the notes at James 4:11. The meaning is, that in all our conduct we are to act under the constant impression of the truth that we are soon to be brought into judgment, and that the law by which we are to be judged is that by which it is contemplated that we shall be set free from the dominion of sin. In the rule which God has laid down in his word, called “the law of liberty,” or the rule by which true freedom is to be secured, a system of religion is revealed by which it is designed that man shall be emancipated not only from one sin, but…”

“So speak and act - In all things. As they that shall be judged - Without respect of persons. By the law of liberty - The gospel; the law of universal love, which alone is perfect freedom. For their transgressions of this, both in word and deed, the wicked shall be condemned; and according to their works, done in obedience to this, the righteous will be rewarded. James 2:13”

“2:12 The law . . . sets you free from the controlling power of sin (see 1:25 and corresponding study note) and thereby promotes endurance and growth toward perfection (1:3-4).”

“speak: Phi 4:8; Col 3:17; Pe2 1:4-8 the: Jam 2:8, Jam 1:25 James 2:13”