² If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God.^{(A) 3} What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”^[a](B)

⁴ Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift^(C) but as an obligation. ⁵ However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness.^{(D) 6} David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the one to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: