Readings in Proverbs
Readings in Proverbs – Day 6
Day 6: Righteousness and Wickedness – part 2 The promise of sin is abundant pleasure, freedom and happiness. The reality is that it is slavery. Jesus said, “everyone who practises […]
Day 6: Righteousness and Wickedness – part 2
The promise of sin is abundant pleasure, freedom and happiness. The reality is that it is slavery. Jesus said, “everyone who practises sin is a slave to sin” (John 8:34).
These proverbs tell us that the “treacherous are taken captive by their lust” (Prov. 11:6). Paul tells us that in Christ Jesus we have been “set free from sin and become slaves of God.” The fruit of our new slavery to God is sanctification leading to eternal life” (Rom. 6:22).
Righteousness is like “a tree of life.” Have you observed how a righteous life reaches out, “capturing” others by it and thereby extending God’s blessing to others (Prov. 11:30)? Jesus called His disciples to be fishers of men.
Peter quotes Proverbs 11:31 in 1 Peter 4:18, in order to reinforce the point that the righteous are saved in the midst of their suffering here on earth. Peter’s conclusion is, “Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good” (1 Peter 4:19).”
The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the treacherous are taken captive by their lust.
– Prov. 11:6
The righteous is delivered from trouble, and the wicked walks into it instead.
– Prov. 11:8
When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish there are shouts of gladness.
– Prov. 11:10
Whoever is steadfast in righteousness will live, but he who pursues evil will die.
– Prov. 11:19
Be assured, an evil person will not go unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will be delivered.
– Prov. 11:21
The desire of the righteous ends only in good, the expectation of the wicked in wrath.
– Prov. 11:23
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise.
– Prov. 11:30
If the righteous is repaid on earth, how much more the wicked and the sinner!
– Prov. 11:31
A good man obtains favour from the Lord, but a man of evil devices he condemns.
– Prov. 12:2
Lord God, You have promised to deliver us through suffering, therefore, let our trust in You be strengthened.
You promise blessings that come from righteousness. You say that the desires of the righteous end only in good.
O God, give us desires that are pleasing to You.
We submit all that we are to You, in Jesus Name, Amen.
– Graham Barnes
