4:1 What then shall we say that Abraham, our ancestor according to the flesh, ¹  has discovered regarding this matter? ²  4:2 For if Abraham was declared righteous ³  by the works of the law, he has something to boast about – but not before God. 4:3 For what does the scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited ⁴  to him as righteousness.” ⁵  4:4 Now to the one who works, his pay is not credited due to grace but due to obligation. ⁶  4:5 But to the one who does not work, but believes in the one who declares the ungodly righteous, ⁷  his faith is credited as righteousness.