Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ

The Way of Righteousness Selected Proverbs Do not be a fool, but be among the wise that heed the warnings & instructions of Proverbs Wisdom and foolishness are both directly tied to the concept of righteousness

The Meaning of Righteousness Text tsedeq - also translated as just, justice, lawful, right, righteous, correct, fair, blameless and innocent Leviticus 19:15 Leviticus 19:36 Root meaning = conformity to an ethical or moral standard

Forensic Righteousness Equality of all before the law - which must be true, absolute & without partiality Law that changes or allows partiality is unjust and results in abominations before God - Prov. 17:15 Man cannot be the source of law - he is too limited and partial

Forensic Righteousness All of man’s natural senses - hearing, sight, taste, smell and touch - can be fooled. Man is limited in knowledge, ability to reason & is corrupted by sin The absolute standard is the law of God which is perfect, sure, right, pure and true - Psalm 19

Forensic Righteousness God is the omniscient and impartial judge of all men (Deut. 10:17; Ezek. 18:4) Man’s sinfulness is seen in his failure to keep even the Ten Commandments Psalm 14:2-3 / Romans 3:10-12 / Isaiah 64:6 - every human is guilty before our Holy Creator

Theocratic Righteousness God’s declaration of righteousness upon those He calls to Himself to be His people The idea of a substitute death as payment of the penalty of sin began with God’ clothing Adam & Eve Genesis 15:6 brings in the idea of faith in the Lord being reckoned to a man as righteousness

Theocratic Righteousness Isaiah 53 explains the suffering of Messiah as the perfect sacrifice that would bring justification The New Testament explains that Jesus is the Messiah that made this sacrifice and rose from the dead

Theocratic Righteousness Romans 3 explains that Jesus’ sacrifice demonstrated God’s righteousness and the just and justifier God’s grace provided the means of redemption, justification, reconciliation, adoption & sanctification

Ethical Righteousness Concerned with the standard of conduct of men with one another Man’s standards of ethics are neither absolute nor impartial and therefore cannot be righteous Man’s standards eventually reduce to survival and control - whether by might or intrigue

Ethical Righteousness Apart from God, man cannot know or live in true righteousness The book of Proverbs gives us practical instruction on ethical righteousness and how to walk in it

Ethical Righteousness Righteousness is closely tied to wisdom (Proverbs 2:9, 20; 8:6,8,9, 18-21, 12:15) Walking in righteousness is of supreme importance to God - Proverbs 21:3; 1 Samuel 15

The General Character Righteousness Proverbs Desires good (11:23) Pursues righteousness (15:9) Thinks justly (12:5) Cautioned by the ruin of the wicked (21:12) Considers the poor (29:7) Thinks before speaking (15:28)

Righteous speech Proverbs True (12:17) Acceptable (10:31-32) Like choice silver (10:20) A fountain of life (10:11) Feeds many (10:21)

Character of the Righteous Proverbs honest, hates falsehood (13:5) and the unjust are an abomination (29:27); has integrity (20:7) is not moved (12:3); is as bold as a lion (28:1); remains true in hardship (16:8), rises again (24:16)

Character of the Righteous Proverbs Humble, seek counsel (12:15) Concerned for animals (12:10) Generous to the poor (21:6) Content and satisfied (13:25) Leave an inheritance for their grandchildren (13:22)

Blessings on the Righteous Proverbs Blessing on themselves (4:18; 13:9) The Lord hears their prayers (15:29) They gain life (10:16) Receive the Lord’s blessing on their dwellings (3:33) Are secure from hunger (10:13)

Blessings on the Righteous Proverbs Rejoice at justice (21:15), Sing & rejoice (29:6) Their transgressions have been paid by Christ. Blamelessness smoothes their way

Preservation of the Righteousness Proverbs Delivered from hunger (13:25) Will stand firm (12:7) Granted long life (16:31) Prosperity (13:21) Wealth (14:34) which allows them to be generous (21:26).

Benefits of the Righteous to Others Proverbs Wise guides (12:26) A source of nourishing instruction (10:21) Provision (21:26) and a better life (10:11; 20, 31) Beasts are treated better (12:10)

Benefits of the Righteous to Others Proverbs Fathers rejoice (23:24) Sons are blessed (20:7) Grandchildren inherit (13:22) The people rejoice (28:12; 29:2) The nation is exalted (14:34) Their memory is blessed (10:7)

Warnings to the Unrighteous Proverbs Proverbs warns the wicked (17:15) and those who yield to the wicked (25:26) Their way leads to death (14:12) The Lord weighs the hearts (21:2)

Warnings to the Unrighteous Proverbs Righteousness delivers – (10:2; 16:6; 11:9) The only hope for the unrighteous is to turn and place their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe. Proverbs 18:10

Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ