2:8

the royal law: Or “the kingly law.” According to Jesus, the second greatest commandment of God’s Law to Israel was “you must love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mt 22:39 and study note; Le 19:18) The disciple James calls this command “the royal law.” This term, which is used only here in the Scriptures, is appropriate for several reasons. The law of love may be called royal because it originates from the great King, Jehovah. (1Th 4:9 and study note) In addition, it could be viewed as “royal,” or kingly, because of its prominence among other laws governing human relationships. It is a king among laws, as it were. (Ro 13:8-10; Ga 5:14) Jesus stated that this law is one of the commandments on which all the Law and the Prophets hang. (Mt 22:40 and study note) In this context, James shows that all who favored the rich over the poor were violating this “royal law.”

you are doing quite well: Christians who truly carried out “the royal law” were worthy of this commendation. It was good and right for them to show love and kindness. However, some needed to improve in showing neighborly love to the rich and the poor alike. Those favoring the rich revealed that their motives were selfish. In the context of this verse, James warns that Christians should not show partiality and favoritism in the congregation while claiming to show love. (Jas 2:1-6, 9) One reference work thus notes that such “selective love of neighbor is not love at all.” So James’ commendation here actually serves as counsel to those showing partiality. (Compare Jas 2:19.) He is saying, in effect, ‘It is fine to say that you are carrying out the royal law, but you can only do so in reality if your love is without favoritism and class distinctions.’