But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
Ah, but don't you know that a public declaration of accepting Jesus into your life results in a completely free pass for the rest of your life. You don't have to abide by the Commandments, you don't have to do anything other than what your whim directs.
The Bible says so, doncha know?
He was talking to Jews under the law.
Jam 1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.
Rom 9:31 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.
Rom 9:32 Wherefore? Because [they sought it] not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;
Rom 10:4 For Christ [is] the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
You either put your faith in your works or Jesus'.