What is the context?
James returns to harmful speech between believers. Slandering a brother or sister sets the speaker against the law that calls for love of neighbor. Instead of doing that law, the person assumes a position over it.
The contrast is with the one Lawgiver and Judge, who can save and destroy. The speaker must remember his or her own place before God, rather than treat a personal verdict about another person as the final authority.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Calvin and Wesley both read the warning as a rejection of presumptuous condemnation and speech that places the speaker above God’s law. Calvin distinguishes judging by personal preference from submitting to what God actually commands.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
Romans 14:1–4, 10–13 applies a similar concern to disputed practices: believers belong to the Lord and each will give an account to God. 1 Corinthians 4:3–5 adds that the Lord will expose hidden motives. The church’s life is therefore shaped by His authority and knowledge, rather than claims to know everything about another person’s heart.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.