John Calvin Commentary James 2:10

"For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one [point], he is become guilty of all." — James 2:10 (ASV)

For whosoever shall keep the whole law. His only meaning is that God will not be honored with exceptions, nor will He allow us to remove from His law what is less pleasing to us. At first glance, this statement seems harsh to some, as though the apostle supported the paradox of the Stoics, which makes all sins equal, and as though he asserted that whoever offends in one point ought to be punished as severely as one whose entire life has been sinful and wicked. But it is evident from the context that he had no such thought.

For we must always consider the reason why anything is said. He denies that our neighbors are truly loved when only a select few are chosen out of ambition, while the rest are neglected. He proves this by stating that it is not true obedience to God if it is not offered impartially according to His command.

Therefore, since God's rule is plain and complete (or perfect), we also ought to aim for completeness, so that none of us should presumptuously separate what He has joined together. Therefore, let there be consistency if we desire to obey God rightly.

For instance, if a judge were to punish ten thefts but leave one man unpunished, he would reveal his own partiality. For he would thus show himself to be indignant against people rather than against crimes, because what he condemns in one, he absolves in another.

So now we understand James's point: that if we set aside from God's law what is less agreeable to us, even if we are obedient in other parts, we still become guilty of all, because in one particular point we violate the whole law. And though he applies what is said to the immediate subject, it is still taken from a general principle: that God has prescribed for us a rule of life, which we are not permitted to mutilate. For it is not said of only a part of the law, This is the way, walk ye in it; nor does the law promise a reward except for universal obedience.

Therefore, the Scholastics are foolish, who consider what they call 'partial righteousness' to be meritorious; for this passage and many others clearly show that there is no righteousness except in perfect obedience to the law.