Matthew Poole and continuators on James 4:12

12 There is one law-giver , who is able to save, and to destroy : Who art thou that judgest another ?

One Absolute, Supreme, Universal and Spiritual Law-giver, and who can simply, and directly bind Men's Consciences, and make Laws for their Souls, Pro. 8.15, 16. Isa. 33.22. Acts 4.19. By this he intimates, that they did invade God's Right, who took upon them a legislative Power in prescribing to other Men's Consciences, and making their own Will the Rule of the others Duty.

Both temporally and eternally, Deut. 32.39. 1 Sam. 2.6. and Isa. 43.13. whereas other Law-givers cannot save or destroy Mens Souls, nor so much as their Lives, without God's concurrence.

What a sorry Creature, a Man, a Worm, that thou shouldst lift up thy self into God's Place, and make thy self a Judge of one not subject to thee?

The Servant of another Master, Rom. 14.4. It is a fond thing for thee to take upon thee the Power of a Judge, when thou hast no power of saving or destroying, rewarding or punishing.

Marginal references: Rom. 14.4.