I'll "show you" again.
You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone. (James 2: 24)
The Holy Spirit included James for a reason, and that is to stimulate us to consider the full counsel of scripture. We must not "simplify" or "explain away" difficult scriptures because it makes it easier for us to understand.
I've heard lots of creative and not-so-creative twistings of James in an effort to counter what it is clearly saying, though it may not agree with our "theology." James specifically addresses Romans 4:1-4, elaborating:
You see faith was working with his works, and as a result of works, faith was perfected; and the scripture was fulfilled which says, "And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness," and he was called a friend of God. You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone." (James 2:22-24)
Justified by works and not by faith alone -- there it is.
Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Romans 3:28
I'm done with you. You're a candidate for the warnings in Galatians One.
Take care.
“Justified by works and not by faith alone — there it is.”
No, we are not justified by works. All the work was done on the Cross. But our works illustrate our salvation, which was accomplished by the work on the Cross.
Muddying the waters is not helping. The answer to antinomianism is not Catholicism.