Albert Barnes Commentary James 2:12

"So speak ye, and so do, as men that are to be judged by a law of liberty." — James 2:12 (ASV)

So speak you, and so do, as those who shall be judged by the law of liberty. On the phrase, "the law of liberty," see the notes on James 1:26 and James 4:11.

The meaning is that in all our conduct we are to act under the constant impression of the truth that we are soon to be brought to judgment, and that the law by which we are to be judged is that by which it is intended that we shall be set free from the dominion of sin.

In the rule which God has laid down in his word, called "the law of liberty," or the rule by which true freedom is to be secured, a system of religion is revealed by which it is designed that humankind shall be emancipated not only from one sin, but from all.

Now, it is with reference to such a law that we are to be judged; that is, we will not be able to plead at our trial that we were under a necessity of sinning, but we shall be judged under that law by which the arrangement was made that we could be free from sin.

If we could be free from sin, if an arrangement was made by which we could have led holy lives, then it will be proper that we shall be judged and condemned if we are not righteous.

The sense is, "In all your conduct, whatever you do or say, remember that you are to be judged, or that you are to give an impartial account; and remember also that the rule by which you are to be judged is that by which provision is made for being delivered from the dominion of sin, and brought into the freedom of the gospel."

The argument here seems to be that the one who habitually feels that he is soon to be judged by a law under which it was intended that he could be, and should be, free from the bondage of sin, has one of the strongest of all inducements to lead a holy life.