KJV ORIGINAL
But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
But you've been disrespecting poor people. Think about it — aren't rich people the ones who make your life difficult and drag you to court?
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
You're looking down on the wrong people — the wealthy are usually the ones causing you problems.
📜 Historical Context — Why was this verse written?
The Epistle of James was written by James, likely the brother of Jesus, to Jewish Christians dispersed throughout the Roman Empire in the mid-first century CE. It was written to address practical issues within the early Christian community, including the problem of showing favoritism towards the wealthy and neglecting the poor in their gatherings.
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