Why is trusting in our own merits considered evil?

James 5 illustrates that reliance on our own righteousness is condemned as evil. This self-reliance can cause us to believe we can earn God's favor through our works, akin to keeping a ledger of good actions in hopes of justifying ourselves. However, Isaiah 64:6 tells us that our righteousness is like filthy rags. Therefore, when individuals trust their own good works for salvation, they deceive themselves, leading to eternal separation from God. True righteousness and acceptance come only through faith in Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law on our behalf.