“Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?”
Have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? — the rhetorical question indicts not merely discrimination but something more serious: the exercise of unjust judgment based on external criteria. To discriminate among believers is to usurp a prerogative belonging to God alone (cf. Romans 14:4) and to reveal 'evil thoughts' (dialogismoi ponēroi), showing that partiality masks covetous and corrupt intentions. The act of discrimination is recharacterized as false judgment and idolatrous preference.
Church Fathers on James 2:4
But we must remember whence that sentence is taken, and what goes before it, and in what connection it occurs. My brethren, he says, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of Glory, with respect of persons. For if there come into your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; and you have respect to him that wears the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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