Listen, my beloved brethren:  did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?  But you have dishonored the poor man.  Is it not the rich who oppress you and personally drag you into court?  Do they not blaspheme the fair name by which you have been called?

Here James continues his thoughts on receiving the poor and the rich in assembly.  Verses 5-7 speak directly to his audience.  James is reminding them to treat all with equality.

These verses most likely refer to a specific problem found in James' listeners.  The words cause reflection in our lives as well.  James says that we dishonor the poor man, and honor the rich man who does not deserve honor.  Today, it may or may not be rich and poor, but society has placed great honor on the lives of those who do not deserve that honor.  Likewise, we forget to hold in esteem those who God promised the kingdom.  Why is that?

This is the admonition James entrusts to us:  Honor is a gift from God.  We are the stewards, those who give the gift. 

Who will you honor today?
How will you honor the poor? meek? lonely? silent?