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 righteousness:
Proverbs 13:6 (NASBStr)
Righteousness guards the one whose way is blameless,
But wickedness subverts the sinner.
How many times have you ever been protected by "righteousness?" This proverb helps us understand the value of faith and the protection of God. When we have faith in God, He gives us righteousness. We are "clothed" with righteousness. Notice how Paul instructs the Ephesian believer with similar words:
Ephesians 6:14 (NASBStr)
Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
God's righteousness, that we earn by faith in Christ, is our breastplate. Our vital organs are protected by it. The same is not true for the wicked. The wickedness of the wicked will undermine the sinner. The word here is "subvert", or, in the NIV, "overthrow." Wickedness eventually brings the wicked down. We might not be around to see it. In fact, we might actually see them prosper. However, the wicked WILL fall into the pit they dug for others (see Proverbs 26:7). Righteousness not only changes our nature it protects our nurture. Righteousness is provided to us to reach our final destination but to also keep safe on the journey. The next time you are protected from evil and its fruit remember that righteousness was the guard of your life. Christ died for our sin. He gave us righteousness and peace. Notice how Paul states that peace, also, guards us:
Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
God guards us. God keeps us from harm.
No comments:
Post a Comment