Proverbs 21:21

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about what we should pursue. 

Proverbs 21:21 (NASBStr)

He who pursues righteousness and loyalty

Finds life, righteousness and honor.

Proverbs 21:21 (NIV1984)

He who pursues righteousness and love

finds life, prosperity and honor.

Proverbs 21:21 (ESV)

Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness

will find life, righteousness, and honor.

The theme of Proverbs is the Fear of The Lord.   When we fear the Lord, Solomon tells us we have certain expectations and they are all good.   Wisdom boast that her blessings rest on those who pursue her (Proverbs 8:18).   In the above proverb we see a truth that perhaps Micah was reading or thinking about when he wrote the popular verse in his prophetic book:

Micah 6:8 (NASBStr)

He has told you, O man, what is good;

And what does the Lord require of you

But to do justice, to love kindness,

And to walk humbly with your God?

God honors those who pursue after His character.   He wants us to pursue who He is.  He is righteousness and merciful (loyalty and love in the above translations).   He is holy and He expresses that holiness in how He cares for those who believe in Him.  He loves them.   The reward for pursuing after God is that we are honored with life, righteousness and honor.   God clothes us with righteousness when we pursue Him.  He will grant us the victory through His mercy and grace.   He loves us and gives us life when we pursue Him.   That pursuit is through faith, not through our own strength.   We don't pursue Him with our skills.  We pursue Him via faith.   God rewards faith.   

Proverbs 21:3 (ESV)

To do righteousness and justice

is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.