Omit the article (with B, C1), and read τί ὀφελος: so also in James 2:16. Can faith save him! rather, with R.V., that faith ( ἡ πίστις); the faith in question.
Observe the practical character of the illustration chosen, from works of mercy (cf. James 1:27). ωσι in James 2:15 should be deleted (omitted by B, C, K); also the disjunctive particle δὲ at the commencement of the verse (with א, B).