James 1:22-27 read in context — James's 'works' are being a doer of the word, controlling the tongue, and helping orphans and widows

James 1:22-27 establishes the kind of works in view throughout the letter: being a doer and not just a hearer of the word, bridling the tongue, visiting orphans and widows in their trouble, keeping oneself unspotted from the world. These are practical Christian discipleship works, not ritual sacramental acts.