Proverbs 11:5

 The book of Proverbs gives us a lot of instruction on a lot of different subjects. One subject that can keep us in God’s wisdom is Godly Follower-ship. Who we follow; where we follow; how we follow are all spoken about in Proverbs. Here is one of them about the way of the righteous:

Proverbs 11:5 (NASV)

The righteousness of the blameless will smooth his way,

But the wicked will fall by his own wickedness.

Proverbs 11:5 (ESV)

The righteousness of the blameless keeps his way straight,

but the wicked falls by his own wickedness. 

This is an incredible tough proverb to believe by faith. It demands faith, since we don't necessarily, or even seldom, see it with the eyes of the flesh. It is also tough to believe as we have been told by Christ, Paul, Peter and other New Testament writers that we are to suffer like Christ suffered. To then read Solomon's Words that, "the righteousness of the blameless will smooth his way" causes some confusion. When we look at the second line and realize we don't always see the wicked "fall by his own wickedness" it makes the two lines, together, tough to believe.  That is why we must accept God's Word by faith. We don't always see the truth play out with our human eyes. We should note that Solomon isn't telling us the righteousness of the blameless "will be smooth." He says that righteousness will "make our ways smooth." The implication is we won't have a smooth way but will need help in making it smooth. The ESV helps us with its interpretation.  In the ESV we see that “righteousness” is not something to simply “attain” but the “rudder” for our way.  When we commit and follow after righteous living, we have a safe way in front of us.  That is where faith in Christ comes into play.  God will make our way smooth as we trust in Him for our righteousness and obey Him in His Word.   However, those who reject Him will fall by their very own wickedness.   God doesn't really have to do much for the unbeliever since his/her own unbelief will eventually destroy them.   Wickedness will eventually catch up with all who reject truth.  When they reject truth they will eventually follow the lies they use to replace that truth.  Trust this proverb by faith and live by it via faith.   There will be no surprises at the end.