Jam 2:12 | JFB | STEP | 12. Summing up of the previous reasonings. speak —referring back to ; the fuller discussion of the topic is given . judged by the law of liberty — ( ); 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 ( ). Compare , "Wrath of the (merciful) Lamb."

James 2:12

12. Summing up of the previous reasonings.

speak—referring back to Jas 1:19, 26; the fuller discussion of the topic is given Jas 3:5-12.

judged by the law of liberty— (Jas 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 (Jas 2:13). Compare Mt 18:32-35; Joh 12:48; Re 6:16, "Wrath of the (merciful) Lamb."