King James Bible
"And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:"
James describes showing special attention to someone wearing fine or expensive garments, where 'gay' in King James English means bright or showy. This preferential treatment based on outward wealth contradicts the gospel's message of equality before God. The wealthy visitor receives an invitation to the best seat, likely near the front or in a place of honor. In ancient synagogues and early Christian assemblies, seating arrangements reflected social hierarchies, which James critiques as incompatible with faith. The poor person is relegated to standing or sitting on the floor in a degrading position. This stark contrast exposes the assembly's worldly values and completes James's illustration of sinful partiality that violates the royal law of loving one's neighbor.