James 2:12

Summing up the previous reasonings, James comes to this conclusion, which really gives clarity to interpret the previous verses (which easily could become self-effort, religious based activity).

Speak reminds us of James 1:19 (clic here to read)

This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speakand slow to anger; James 1:19

So act reminds us of being doers of the word (a performer) and not merely hearers (part of the audience). (clic here to read)

Who are to be judged is connected to showing partiality thus becoming judges and not doers of the law (see James 2:4). Later, James will conclude:

Do not speak against one another, brethren. He who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge of it. 12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you who judge your neighbor? James 4:11-12

Fortunately we will never be judged by God through the law! Believers (those who have rested in the fact that Jesus took their place on the cross dying for their sins and rising from the dead in victory) have been rescued from the penalty of the law which required death if there was sin. We are freed from the law!

It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1

Therefore, my brethren, you also were made to die to the Law through the body of Christ, so that you might be joined to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. Romans 7:4

God has made us (believers) adequate as servants of the Spirit, which gives life:

who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. 2 Corinthians 3:6

Where the Spirit is, there is freedom!

 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 2 Corinthians 3:17

We are under the law of liberty, which James mentioned previously, which when looked upon with intent leads one to becoming an effectual doer.

But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does. James 1:25

Keep standing firm in the freedom the God has set us free!

Through Silvanus, our faithful brother (for so I regard him), I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it! 1 Peter 5:12