We have an insistent catholic on this thread who is unable to capture the essence of James regarding works to prove faith. The key is to discern of which perspective, man’s or God’s seeing proof James addresses. Clearly from the text surrounding the questioned phrase we know James is referring to how man can know if another man’s profession of faiths is alive or dead ... in the works of the man is the key TO MEN. Outward behavior is how men discern. God sees the inward parts.
That is true
Joshua 6
22 But Joshua had said unto the two men that had spied out the country, Go into the harlot’s house, and bring out thence the woman, and all that she hath, as ye sware unto her.
23 And the young men that were spies went in, and brought out Rahab, and her father, and her mother, and her brethren, and all that she had; and they brought out all her kindred, and left them without the camp of Israel.
There is not any doubt God knew the Woman`s faith but these men of Israel could only see it in her works, so she and all of her family were saved.
Her faith was in the God of the Israelites so she did the works required.
It just shows WHY Catholics, long ago, were so DIVIDED as to whether to even include James in the lexicon at all!