James 2:12-20

English Standard Version

¹²So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under ^(A)the law of liberty. ¹³For ^(B)judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

Faith Without Works Is Dead

¹⁴What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith ^(C)but does not have works? Can that faith save him? ¹⁵^(D)If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, ¹⁶^(E)and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good^[a] is that? ¹⁷So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

¹⁸But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith ^(F)apart from your works, and I will show you my faith ^(G)by my works. ¹⁹^(H)You believe that God is one; you do well. Even ^(I)the demons believe—and shudder! ²⁰Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?