Matthew Henry Commentary James 5:19-20

"My brethren, if any among you err from the truth, and one convert him; let him know, that he who converteth a sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall cover a multitude of sins." — James 5:19-20 (ASV)

It is no mark of a wise or holy man to boast of being free from error or to refuse to acknowledge an error. And there is some doctrinal mistake at the bottom of every practical mistake. No one is habitually bad except it is based on some bad principle. This is conversion: to turn a sinner from the error of his ways, not merely from one party to another, or from one notion and way of thinking to another.

There is no way to effectively and finally hide sin, except by forsaking it. Many sins are hindered in the converted person; many may also be hindered in others whom he may influence. The salvation of one soul is of infinitely greater importance than preserving the lives of multitudes or promoting the welfare of a whole people. Let us in our various stations keep these things in mind, sparing no effort in God's service, and the outcome will prove that our labour is not in vain in the Lord.

For six thousand years He has been multiplying pardons, and yet His free grace is not tired nor grown weary. Certainly, Divine mercy is an ocean that is ever full and ever flowing. May the Lord give us a part in this abundant mercy, through the blood of Christ, and the sanctification of the Spirit.