The starting point to living a righteous life is our faith in the work of Jesus Christ on the cross, and having faith that God is with us helping us to mature and live righteously everyday.
There is great reward to living righteously
Verse 19: As righteousness leads to life, so he who pursues evil pursues it to his own death.
A righteous person’s life blesses the next generation
Verse 21: Though they join forces, the wicked will not go unpunished; But the posterity of the righteous will be delivered.
The wicked at times may get extra help to accomplish their evil. However, God not only delivers the righteous person, but he also delivers his descendants from a gang of wicked people.
This was clearly shown in the life of Joseph. When his own brothers out of jealousy ganged up against him, he continued to live righteously. While for many years it appeared that the brothers were successful, God was unfolding a beautiful plan for Joseph and his descendants. Additionally, Joseph’s life continues to inspire the people of God to stay true to Him and keep doing what is right.
As believers, it’s so important to think about what kind of inheritance we are leaving for the next generation. Many people, may focus on monetary inheritance, but leaving a legacy of righteous life is far more pricey and valuable for our descendants than any worldly treasure.
A righteous person’s desires are aligned with God’s desires
Verse 23: The desire of the righteous is only good,?But the expectation of the wicked is wrath.
Since a righteous person has allowed God to deal with their lust (See Proverbs 11:6), their desires are pleasing to the Lord. On the other hand, a wicked person’s desire only produces destruction because it is based on their own fleshly desires and lust.
Righteous living is only possible through faith
but the just shall live by his faith. Habakkuk 2:4b
The word “just” is the same as the word “righteous” in Proverbs 11.
Definition: just, righteous (in conduct and character, righteous (as justified and vindicated by God)
There are many benefits to righteous living but what makes living a righteous life possible is having faith in God’s character. His goodness, His mercy, and His power are available to help us live an overcoming life. Praise Him!
Are you continually pursuing to live more righteously than you did the day before?
For comments, please contact me at karlinefischer@yahoo.com.