James 2:4

"have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives?"made distinctions" -this same word is translated to be at odds with oneself, doubt or waver. Woods gives two ideas: "Do you not recognize differences among you based upon material considerations? Is it not true that you fawn upon the rich, when they enter your assemblies, and do you not treat with contempt the poor? If the second, the meaning is, when you show partiality, on the basic of economic standing or other material and worldly considerations, are you not exhibiting doubt (disbelief) in the teaching of our Lord" (p. 110). Distinctions based on such external things were not to exist among Christians (Galatians 3:26)."judge with evil motives?" -"prejudiced judges" (TCNT). Such. distinction is anything but righteous. They were fawning over the rich and treating the poor with contempt because their motives were sinful. They were hoping to receive something from the rich man, if nothing more than his approval. Evil thoughts, wrong motives eventually demonstrate themselves in conduct (Matthew 15:19). We sometimes fool ourselves into thinking that we can keep such motives well hidden. But please note how. very simple event (two men visiting services) brought these evil motives right out into the open. Note that it was evidently very usual for Christians to have rich visitors-just like today! "What prompts people to show special regard for the rich? Usually the motive is. selfish one. There is lurking in the back of the mind the idea that some day it may be necessary to ask favors of the rich, and it is therefore expedient to flatter them. Why bother with the poor? They can never do anything for us, anyway. Ah, how many sins stem from simple selfishness?" (Woods p. 111)