Paul's teaching on justification by faith is not contradictory to James' teaching on justification by works. The reason is because the faith that justifies is the faith that works. There is a difference in "works of faith" vs. works of law. So, James' focus is on works of faith, whereas Paul's reference to works in Romans 4 is focused on works of law of which a person could boast.

Many people confuse the two and conclude that man neither can nor should attempt to do anything for salvation. Romans 11:6 connects faith to grace and Galatians 3:26 connects faith to baptism because baptism is a work of faith. Grace does not exclude baptism. Similarly, salvation by "grace through faith" (Eph. 2:8-9), also consists of God's plan of His provision and promise of grace and man's response of faith.