"Faith and Deeds" expanded

The debate between faith and deeds as a means to salvation is one that theologians have debated over for ages. There is a seeming contradiction between James', "you gotta walk the walk" stance (Jas 2:17) and Paul's stance in Romans that no amount of actions can change the fact that we are sinners in need of grace. This week in class (10/31) we will be looking at James 3:13-18. I'd like to key in on verse 13 for some food for thought. It says, "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom." Compare this to 2:14-26. I find it hard to read this and think that James is saying that certain actions need to be marked of a checklist in order for us to be saved. What do you think? Compare it to Jesus' words in Matthew 23:23-24. What is the importance of faith vs. deeds? Is it a balancing act between the two? is one more important than the other?