Matthew Poole and continuators on James 2:20

20 But wilt thou know , O vain man , that faith vvwithout vvorks is dead?

Either this Question is in order to reaching, as Iob. 13.12. Rom. 13.3. and then the sense is, If thou hast a mind to know, I shall instruct thee: Or, it is a teaching by way of Question, as more emphatical, and pressing; and then it is, as if he had said, know, O vain Man.

An Allusion to an empty Vessel, which founds more than one that is full. The carnal Professor to whom he speaks, is vain, because empty of true Faith, and good Works, tho full of noise and boasting. Obj. Doth not the Apostle sin against Christ's Command, Mat. 5.22? Ans. 1. He speaks not of any particular Man, but to all in general, of such a sort, viz. who boasted of their Faith, and yet did not evidence it by their VVorks. 2. It is not spoken in rash anger, or by way of Contempt, but by way of Correction and just Reproof; see the like spoken by Christ himself, Matth. 23.17, 19. Luke 24.25. and by Paul, Gal. 3.1. and 1 Cor. 15.36.

A defective Speech, Faith without Works; for that Faith which is without Works, or Faith, if it be without Works. He doth not say, Faith is dead without Works, lest it should be thought that VVorks were the cause of the Life of Faith; but Faith without Works is dead, as v. 17, and 26. implying, that VVorks are the Effects and Signs of the life of Faith.