For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who does not observe and obey all the things written in the book of the law.’ Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law; for ‘The one who is righteous will live by faith.’ But the law does not rest on faith; on the contrary, ‘Whoever does the works of the law will live by them.’ Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree’— in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. (Galatian 3: 10-14)

The law was - is - a way of self-discipline. The law provides a framework and parameters to guide us in making choices.

The law is an external and explicit pattern that we can try to consistently observe. Unfortunately the attempt at consistency too often leads to the pride and hypocricy that Jesus found in many Pharisees.

Paul quotes the prophet Habakuk that the righteous shall live by faith. (Habakuk 2:4). Habakuk's faith is the Hebrew 'emuwnah meaning firmness, fidelity, or steadiness.

The Greek that Paul uses for faith - pistis - means to be persuaded, to be friends with, to trust, or to believe.

The Greek suggests the outcome is an intellectual process. The Hebrew seems much more a state of being. Paul was ready to use intellectual tools to bring listeners to faith. But for Paul faith is a profound and transforming experience, not just a state of mind.