“Speak not one against another, brethren. He that speaketh against a brother, or judgeth his brother, speaketh against the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judgest the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. One only is the lawgiver and judge, even he who is able to save and to destroy: but who art thou that judgest thy neighbour?” (James 4:11-12)
In today’s verses, we read where St. James reminds us of the grave consequences of speaking ill against our brethren. When we judge or speak against another, we are not merely criticising a fellow human being but are placing ourselves in a position of authority over God’s law. James is admonishing us to be humble, urging us to recognise that it is not our place to pass judgement on others. To do so is to usurp the role of the one true Lawgiver and Judge, who alone has the power to save or to condemn. There is a difference between judging and admonishing one another and correcting one another. Admonishment and calling out sin is a duty of anyone in pastoral care of a congregation.
James’ admonition here is not just a call to refrain from gossip or slander, but a deeper invitation to examine our hearts. Judgement belongs to God alone, and when we take it upon ourselves to judge, we step outside the bounds of our rightful place. Instead of judging, we are called to be doers of the law, fulfilling it through love, mercy, and charity. In recognising our own unworthiness and leaving judgement to God, we can cultivate a spirit of humility and peace, allowing us to live in harmony with our neighbours and in obedience to God’s perfect law.
