Remembering Jesus’ words to the scribes and Pharisees (Mt 23:3-5) and to his disciples (Mt 5:16) helps James address those who see themselves as champions of faith but don’t show it through their actions.
Mercy (2:13) is demonstrated through actions, but in this case, it is not about the “works of the Law,” consistent with Pauline theology (Rom 3:20, 27, 28; Gal 2:16; 3:2, 5, 10); rather, it concerns acts of mercy toward the poorest and most needy. James emphasizes that faith and deeds must go hand in hand, and that neither is more important than the other.