Galatians 3:11

Just shall live by faith. A citation from Hab. 2:4 (see comment there and on Rom. 1:17). Having proved that all who depend on the works of the law for salvation are under a curse (Gal. 3:10), Paul now cites Scripture to show that it is faith — not law — that brings justification. In Hab. 2:4 the statement means that the upright, humble man will go forward in faith, trusting the wisdom and providence of God — in contrast with the proud man whose “soul ... is lifted up” and who doubts the wisdom and justice of God’s dealings with men (see on vs. 1, 4). In other words, the man who is just will exercise faith. When Paul quotes Habakkuk, however, he does so to prove that the man who exercises faith will, as a result of his faith, be considered just (see Gal. 3:6-9). Paul declares that faith is the fundamental prerequisite to acceptance with God.