According to Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, being a good knight is made difficult by the strong pull of earthly and bodily desire coupled with pride. Sir Gawain is not just tempted because of the loveliness of Sir Bertilak's wife; he is tempted by his own desire to live above all else. Although Gawain constantly refers to duty and to the need to render his fate to God, he does not put his trust completely in his faith because he takes the girdle out of fear that he will not actually be protected by God. Gawain remarks "if only we could love our ladies without believing their lies" (2420-21), but he lies to Sir Bertilak. His sin is love of his own life above duty and loyalty. In line 2435, Gawain says "the frailty of flesh is man's biggest
