There are two kinds of works here. one is the works of the flesh without faith,as a non believer, and the other one is the works of the spirit, which is the true believer which automatically manifest it's self by doing good works. the problem here is that some people think they can work in the flesh and gain God's approval for salvation without faith,and that is believing on the Son of God,and his teachings. If you've got faith, the works come with it. faith without works is really no faith at all. likewise works without faith is vain. For instance, man made charities that are out for profit, donations for tax write-offs and such. Without faith it is impossible to please God.