[Gord]

James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

How does one know when they are righteous?

Strong's Greek Dictionary
1342. dikaios
Search for G1342 in KJVSL
dikaioV dikaios dik'-ah-yos
from 1349; equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively):--just, meet, right(-eous).

See Greek 1349

Strong's Greek Dictionary
1349. dike
Search for G1349 in KJVSL
dikh dike dee'-kay
probably from 1166; right (as self-evident), i.e. justice (the principle, a decision, or its execution):--judgment, punish, vengeance.

See Greek 1166

or was James using this word because of his Jewish background and the importance to the 'Law' to maintain a righteous standing with God out of linguistic habit.

Thoughts.??