20 Be certain that he through whom a sinner has been turned from the error of his way, keeps a soul from death and is the cause of forgiveness for sins without number.
Hate is a cause of violent acts, but all errors are covered up by love.
And most of all be warm in your love for one another; because in love there is forgiveness for sins without number:
Give attention to yourself and your teaching. Go on in these things; for in doing so you will get salvation for yourself and for those who give hearing to you.
<Of David. Maschil.> Happy is he who has forgiveness for his wrongdoing, and whose sin is covered.
To the feeble, I was as one who is feeble, so that they might have salvation: I have been all things to all men, so that some at least might have salvation.
My brothers, if one of you has gone out of the way of the true faith and another has made him see his error,
Truly I say to you, The man whose ears are open to my word and who has faith in him who sent me, has eternal life; he will not be judged, but has come from death into life.
I, Paul, writing this myself, say, I will make payment to you: and I do not say to you that you are in debt to me even for your life.
Wealth which comes from sin is of no profit, but righteousness gives salvation from death.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Matthew Henry Commentary » Commentary on James 5
Commentary on James 5 Matthew Henry Commentary
Chapter 5
In this chapter the apostle denounces the judgments of God upon those rich men who oppress the poor, showing them how great their sin and folly are in the sight of God, and how grievous the punishments would be which should fall upon themselves (v. 1-6). Hereupon, all the faithful are exhorted to patience under their trials and sufferings (v. 7-11). The sin of swearing is cautioned against (v. 12). We are directed how to act, both under affliction and in prosperity (v. 13). Prayer for the sick, and anointing with oil, are prescribed (v. 14, 15). Christians are directed to acknowledge their faults one to another, and to pray one for another, and the efficacy of prayer is proved (v. 16-18). And, lastly, it is recommended to us to do what we can for bringing back those that stray from the ways of truth (v. 19-20).
Jam 5:1-11
The apostle is here addressing first sinners and then saints.
Jam 5:12-20
This epistle now drawing to a close, the penman goes off very quickly from one thing to another: hence it is that matters so very different are insisted on in these few verses.