The Life of the Righteous and Wicked

(Encouraged reading: Proverbs 21)

v. 1-3, 5, 15, 20-23, 30-31 The Life of the Righteous

     “He who follows righteousness and mercy finds life, righteousness, and honor.” Proverbs 21:21

     The righteous do what is right; they love to do good and seek justice. They plan and it leads to plenty. They guard their speech, and it preserves them. The wise know that to have wisdom and understanding they need God, because there is no wisdom without Him. They accept that to honor God they will not always traverse the easy path. The righteous hold fast to God’s standard and don’t settle for less. They act honorably by loving others, taking care of their home, and doing the things of God.

v. 4, 6-14, 16-19, 24-29 The Life of the Wicked

     “The soul of the wicked desires evil…” Proverbs 21:10a

     The wicked live a very different life. They are haughty, prideful, and lazy. They lack self-control and lie, murder, wander, covet and scoff. The wicked do whatever they want to gratify pleasures and their carnal desires without fearing the consequences. They live only for self and for the here and now.

Application:

     Many in today’s world like things easy; they want instant gratification. As Christians we are called to be different, to live for eternity and not the passing pleasures of this world. Waiting for God’s timing and maintaining His standards will save us from the repercussions of doing things our way or the world’s.

Prayer:

     Lord, in a world that is full of wickedness may we live righteously. May our lives reflect You and, in turn, set us apart. Let us pursue righteousness, hard work, wisdom, honesty, and justice as Your Son did when He lived here.