The New Testament Letter of James says that faith without works is dead.
The statement appears in James 2:17 and is repeated in related wording later in the same discussion. The passage argues that professed faith should be demonstrated through action, using practical care for people in need as an example. James presents belief and conduct as connected rather than treating faith as merely verbal agreement.
This passage has often been compared with Paul’s discussions of faith and works, especially in Romans and Galatians. Readers sometimes treat the two writers as using the terms in exactly the same way, but they address different arguments and situations. James emphasizes active obedience and compassion, while Paul frequently argues against relying on works of the Mosaic law as the basis for justification.