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Do they not blaspheme the honorable name by which you have been called? (James 2:7)

Blasphemy (βλασφημέω blasphēmeō) is speaking abusively against another in such a way as to harm or injure their reputation. This is ‘profane speech, revile, defame, blaspheme, reviling, denigration, disrespect, slander.’[1] The Greek term rendered honorable (καλός kalos) in this context refers to one of good, fine moral character, and a good name. Those in the church who are siding with the rich over the poor; they are associating themselves with blasphemers! “The good name” (τὸ καλὸν ὄνομα) is in all likelihood referring to Jesus, the name of the Savior. The disciples are known as Christians, so those who would persecute other Christians by crushing them in judicial court would be blaspheming the very name that they bore. There were those too who might not be outspoken, who would blaspheme the name Christ by speaking in a scornful way that shows disdain for him and Christianity that bears his name. Many who claim to be Christians have been guilty of treating unbelievers with a high status in life with respect, cultivating friendships, showing favoritism while showing contempt for their Christian brothers from a lower station in life. They are seeking friendship with the world instead of drawing close to God in friendship.

If the Christians thought that by showing favoritism to the rich man, they were going to gain something from him, they were wrong. If the rich took them to court to oppress them, what would make them think that the rich would give them anything by showing favoritism? James also says that the rich are the ones who blaspheme the honorable name you have been called. These rich ones were speaking against the name of Christ, whom these Christians were worshiping in their assemblies.

[1] The term is also used for anyone who willfully and knowingly blasphemed the Father, the Son, or the Holy Spirit by claiming God’s powers, attributes, or rights or assigning these to themselves, another, or a thing. (Matt. 12:31-32; Mark 3:28-30; Lu 12:10; Ac 12:21-22) This is referred to as the unforgivable sin. This unforgivable sin also applies to any who came to be a Christian, gained accurate knowledge of the truth, and then deliberately, willfully, and knowingly turned from God’s pure worship by speaking abusively of the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit, the faith, and biblical truth. – Heb. 10:26-27.