What does the Bible say about the difference between grace and works?

The scriptures teach that salvation is entirely by grace through faith, and cannot be combined with works. In Romans 11:6, Paul makes it unequivocally clear that if it is by grace, then it is no longer based on works; otherwise, grace would no longer be grace. This foundational truth contrasts the 'gospel of works' depicted in Proverbs 9, which leads to destruction. Thus, the path of righteousness is solely based on what Christ has done for believers, emphasizing that our works do not contribute to our salvation but are responses to God’s grace in Christ.