"Proverbs 10:31-11:8
The gift of righteousness
Do you realise that God has given to you the gift of righteousness? Have you taken possession of this gift?
The writer of Proverbs contrasts ‘the wicked’ with ‘the righteous’. His argument is that wickedness will lead to destruction – ‘the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity … the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness’ (11:3b,5b). Most significantly of all, wickedness is undone by death: ‘When the wicked die, their hope perishes; all they expected from their power comes to nothing’ (v.7).
On the other hand, he writes, ‘righteousness delivers from death’ (v.4b). This is one of the arguments the apostle Peter uses about Jesus on the day of Pentecost – righteousness cannot rot: ‘It was impossible for death to keep its hold on him ... “you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay” ’ (Acts 2:24,27).
As we saw yesterday, no one is totally righteous except Jesus. He is the ‘righteous one’ (‘your Holy One’). But now we receive this ‘righteousness from God ... through faith in Jesus Christ’ (Romans 3:22). Righteousness means right relationships, both with God and with other people. We receive this as a gift but we have to take possession of it. We have to live it out.
Wisdom
‘A good person’s mouth is a clear fountain of wisdom; a foul mouth is a stagnant swamp. The speech of a good person clears the air; the words of the wicked pollute it’ (Proverbs 10:31a,32a, MSG).
‘A good person’s mouth is a clear fountain of wisdom; a foul mouth is a stagnant swamp. The speech of a good person clears the air; the words of the wicked pollute it’ (Proverbs 10:31a,32a, MSG).
Humility
‘The stuck-up fall flat on their faces, but down-to-earth people stand firm’ (11:2, MSG).
Integrity
‘The integrity of the honest keeps them on track ... a principled life can stand up to the worst’ (v.3a,4b, MSG).
Character
‘Moral character makes for smooth travelling ... Good character is the best insurance’ (v.5a,6a, MSG).
Lord, thank you for the gift of righteousness, which is mine in Jesus Christ. Help me to take possession of this gift. Help me today to speak words of wisdom and to know what is fitting for every situation and every conversation. Help me to live a life of humility, integrity and faithfulness."
1. "Help me today to speak words of wisdom and to know what is fitting for every situation and every conversation. Help me to live a life of humility, integrity and faithfulness." Amen! Yes, Lord, may You rule over me.
2. Thank You, Lord, for being able to produce something that is working.
3. Praise God for company bus!
