James 2:14

What doth it profit? Literally, “What the profit?” that is, as to eternal salvation. The apostle here turns to another aspect of the practical duties of “pure religion” (see on James 1:27). Presumably some church members (James 2:1-13) were excusing their deference to the rich on the basis of a perverted use of the law of love. Other church members (vs. 14-26) seemed to excuse themselves from their Christian duty of good works by appealing to their possession of “faith.”

Brethren. See vs. 1, 5; see on James 1:2.

Faith. Gr. pistis, “conviction,” “trust” (see on Heb. 11:1). Apparently, the church member in question asserts that faith can exist without works, whereas James contends that “faith” which does not result in good “works” is worthless. Genuine faith is obvious to others from the “works” it produces; its existence does not rest on mere personal testimony. The man who claims “faith” without “works” may be compared with the man who thinks himself to be religious (cf. James 1:26) but fails to manifest the deeds of “pure religion.”

Works. In chs. 1 and 2 the apostle has stressed the importance of Christian deeds. He now directly confronts those who neglect the duties of “pure religion” (cf. James 1:27) under the pretense of faith. Here, in common with the writings of Paul (see on Rom. 2:6-10), the epistle of James stresses the necessity of both faith and works in a genuine Christian experience. Works become the conduct of a converted life — deeds that spring forth spontaneously because of the motivation of faith.

Can faith. Literally, “can the faith [that is, faith without works].” The Greek makes clear that James expects a negative answer: “No, of course not.” Faith that does not find expression in habitual good deeds will never save any man, but neither will good deeds without genuine faith (see on Rom. 3:28).

If. James cites a common situation that frequently tests the genuineness of a church member’s faith.

Naked. Gr. gumnos (see on John 21:7). This word frequently describes those who are thinly clad and who face the elements with insufficient protection.

Destitute. Or, “lacking.” This person lacks not merely luxuries but the essentials of life.