King James Bible
"And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?"
James presents a scenario where believers offer empty religious platitudes to those in physical need. The phrase mimics a typical Jewish blessing but becomes hollow when divorced from action, exposing the hypocrisy of pious words without corresponding deeds. The stark contrast reveals the failure to provide actual food and clothing despite having the means to help. James emphasizes the concrete, physical nature of genuine compassion—true faith addresses bodily necessities, not just spiritual comfort. This rhetorical question drives home the worthlessness of faith without works, echoing the letter's central theme. The term 'profit' connects to James's broader argument that such empty religion benefits neither the giver nor receiver, proving itself dead.