[metmom]

If the works of the Law, which are from God, cannot save, what on earth makes people think that the works THEY decide on, the works which are from men, can save?

[boatbums]

If the works of the Law, which are from God, cannot save, what on earth makes people think that the works THEY decide on, the works which are from men, can save?

I think that is an excellent question!

[annalex]

If the works of the Law, which are from God, cannot save, what on earth makes people think that the works THEY decide on, the works which are from men, can save?

We decide on them, and generally do our part, but "it is God that is working in us" (Phil. 2:12-13).

Also, note the illogicality in your question. The works of the law (i.e. getting oneself circumcized, or respecting other people's property) are ordained by God, but it is us who are dong the works. Likewise, the works of love (i.e. feeding the poor or explaining the Gospel) are ordained by God and it is us who are doing them. So your syllogism is in grammatical form only.

What makes us think the former is nto salvific but the latter is? The Holy Scripture that you ignored.