The truth that James emphasizes in this text is what we do reveal who we are. That truth, of course, is on the deepest and most important level possible. James is not speaking simply of beliefs and intentions in general but rather the foundational belief of saving faith. The genuineness of a profession of Jesus Christ as Savior is evidenced more by what a person is than by what he claims. A person who professes Christ but who does not desire to live a Christ-honoring, Christ-obeying life is a fraud. A person without Christ does not and cannot consistently produce works that are truly good and righteous, and the absence of such works is evidence of the absence of saving faith. This passage is much more about reality versus hypocrisy than it is about faith and works. An empty confession, empty compassion, and empty convictions characterize hypocritical faith.