What does the Bible say about our inability to please God?

Scripture reveals that our flesh is incapable of pleasing God due to its inherent weakness. Romans 8:3 states that 'the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh,' indicating that the problem lies not with the law itself, but with our inability to uphold it. This weakness is exemplified in Luke 13:11-13 through the woman who was bound by infirmity for eighteen years, highlighting the human condition of being unable to lift ourselves from spiritual and moral shortcomings. Thus, the gospel emphasizes God's provision in Christ who fulfilled the law on our behalf, giving us righteousness through His obedience.