James 2:14-17

There exists a type of faith that a person has that is not also accompanied by works. But the question is, whether this type of faith can actually save this person? This verse is even begun by asking what good is this person with this faith without works. To answer the question, an example is given of a brother or sister who is poorly clothed and in need of daily food. In this example, a person merely speaks kindly to them, telling them to be warmed and filled. However, how can they be filled if they are poorly clothed and without food? They say this without providing for their physical needs. This is merely to illustrate that a faith without works is useless. Actually, James describes it as being dead. A faith that is dead is not really faith at all, and that is why he describes a faith without works as dead.