In this and the next two verses St. James compares that faith which is without works to the good words of him who wisheth well to a poore man, but doth nothing at all for him. This similitude stands thus: even as faire words where, no reliefe is given, do nothing profit the needy, naked, and hungry man: so neither a bare profession of faith, nor that faith which is without works can profit, that is, justifie or save.