12 [a]So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judgeth by the Law of liberty.

13 For there shall be condemnation merciless to him that showeth not [b]mercy, and mercy rejoiceth against condemnation.

14 [c]What availeth it my brethren, though a man saith, he hath faith, when he hath no works? can that faith save him?

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Footnotes

  1. James 2:12 The conclusion of the whole treatise: we are upon this condition delivered from the curse of the Law by the mercy of God, that in like sort we should maintain and cherish charity and goodwill one towards another, and whoso doth not so, shall not taste of the grace of God.
  2. James 2:13 He that is hard and currish against his neighbor, or else helpeth him not, he shall find God an hard and rough Judge to himselfward.
  3. James 2:14 The fifth place which hangeth very well with the former treatise, touching a true and lively faith. And the proposition of this place is this: faith which bringeth not forth works, is not that faith whereby we are justified, but an image of faith: or else this, they are not justified by faith, which show not the effects of faith.

12 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged(A) by the law that gives freedom,(B) 13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful.(C) Mercy triumphs over judgment.

Faith and Deeds

14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds?(D) Can such faith save them?

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