James 2:20

Modern

O foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is worthless?

Traditional

But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

Literal

But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is idle?

Latin

Vis autem scire, o homo inanis, quoniam fides sine operibus mortua est?

Greek

English

O foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is worthless?

James shows through Scripture that true faith is shown through actions.

James explains why Christians should care about how God will judge their actions (2:12–13): Good deeds must accompany true faith (see 1:22–25).

Theme notes and profiles

James 2:17
So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead.
James 2:26
As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
Proverbs 12:11
The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies lacks judgment.
Romans 1:21
For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts.
Galatians 6:3
If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
Psalm 94:8–11
Take notice, O senseless among the people! O fools, when will you be wise?
Colossians 2:8
See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:35–36
But someone will ask, “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body will they come?”
1 Timothy 1:6
Some have strayed from these ways and turned aside to empty talk.
James 1:26
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.
Titus 1:10
For many are rebellious and full of empty talk and deception, especially those of the circumcision,
Job 11:11–12
Surely He knows the deceit of men. If He sees iniquity, does He not take note?