Living Righteously

Living Righteously

Solomon compared wisdom to light:

For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life (Proverbs 6:23; RSV).
I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness (Ecclesiastes 2:13; KJV).

The great value of light is that it permits intelligent behavior. There is no one more helpless than someone lost in a dark, strange place. No matter how "free" from restriction he may be, he is still a slave to the darkness. Jesus spoke of the relationship between the light of truth, and freedom when He said:
you will know the truth and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32; RSV).
The Journey
Solomon often referred to life as a kind of journey ("way," "path"). And wisdom, Solomon said, provides light for our journey through life. It will direct a man’s way, enabling him to enjoy the beauty of the scenery while guiding him away from its dangers. Our knowledge and understanding are like headlights that we use as we travel through this dark world. Here are examples.

My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path (Proverbs 1:15; KJV).
[the Lord is] guarding the paths of justice (Proverbs 2:8; RSV).

Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path (Proverbs 2:9; RSV).

Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness (Proverbs 2:13; KJV).

That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths off the righteous (Proverbs 2:20; KJV).

Then shalt thou walk in thy way securely, and thy foot shall not stumble (Proverbs 3:23; ASV).

On the way of wisdom I direct you, I lead you on straightforward paths. When you walk, your step will not be impeded, and should you run, you will not stumble (Proverbs 4:11, 12; NAB).

But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day. The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know over what they stumble (Proverbs 4:18, 19; RSV).

I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment (Proverbs 8:20; KJV).

Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding (Proverbs 9:6; KJV).

He that walketh uprightly walketh surely (Proverbs 10:9; KJV).

In the way or righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death (Proverbs 12:28; IWV).

He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the Lord (Proverbs 14:2; KJV).

A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps (Proverbs 16:9; KJV).

Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward (Proverbs 22:5; KJV).

Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way (Proverbs 23:19; KJV).

Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness (Proverbs 28:6; KJV).

He who misleads the upright into an evil way will fall into his own pit (Proverbs 28:10; RSV).

Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once (Proverbs 28:18; KJV).

If life is like a journey, then being righteous means following the road, staying on the correct route—the path of wisdom. Righteousness means using the light of knowledge and understanding to walk in the good way that the Lord has chosen for us. When we drive on a highway we can travel at high speed in relative comfort and security if we are careful to stay with in our bounds. Death and destruction result from erratic, reckless driving—or careless living. Thus, Solomon urged caution, saying,
Let your eyes look directly forward and your gaze be straight before you. Take heed to the path of your feet, then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil (Proverbs 4:25-27; RSV).
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death (Proverbs 14:12; 16:25; KJV).

In sum: Life is like a journey in the dark, and our wisdom lights the way.
The Fruits of Righteousness
Every right way is contained within the universal wisdom of God; and righteousness is simply the process of manifesting or fulfilling his divine plans. Thus it is through righteousness that all the blessings of wisdom become realized. For this reason the many benefits of righteousness, stated by Solomon, are virtually identical to the many blessings of wisdom he gave.

He said righteousness promotes a long life of growth and progress whose work continues to bear fruit even after death.

For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it (Proverbs 2:21; KJV).
the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day (Proverbs 4:18; RSV).

The memory of the righteous continues a blessing (ProverbslO:7; MLB).

the righteous is established for ever (Proverbs 10:25; RSV).

The fear of the Lord prolongs life (Proverbs 10:27; RSV).

righteousness keeps a man safe from death (Proverbs 11:4; BAS).

Surely righteousness brings life (Proverbs 11:19; MLB).

the righteous shall flourish as a branch (Proverbs 11:28; KJV).

the house of the righteous shall stand (Proverbs 12:7; KJV).

Life is in the way of the righteous, a pathway where there is no death (Proverbs 12:28; MLB).

the upright will be rewarded with good (Proverbs 13:21; BAS).

A righteous man that walketh in his integrity, blessed are his children after him (Proverbs 20:7; ASV).

He that pursueth righteousness and lovingkindness shall find life (Proverbs 21:21; RHM).

A righteous life is a joyful life.
The hope of the righteous shall be gladness (Proverbs 10:28; KJV).
The light of the righteous rejoiceth (Proverbs 13:9; KJV).

for those purposing peace there is joy (Proverbs 12:?0; BAS).

the righteous doth sing and rejoice (Proverbs 29:6; KJV).

Right living, he said, produces good things to enjoy.
he [the Lord) blesseth the habitation of the just (Proverbs 3:S3; KJV).
Blessings are upon the head of the just (Proverbs 10:6; KJV).

The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it (Proverbs 10:22; KJV).

the desire of the righteous shall be granted (Proverbs 10:24; KJV).

to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward (Proverbs 11:18; KJV).

A good man shall leave an inheritance to his children (Proverbs 13:22; LXX).

The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul (Proverbs 13:25; KJV).

the dwelling of the upright shall prosper (Proverbs 14:11; ABPS).

In the house of the righteous is much treasure (Proverbs 15:6; KJV).

the blameless will have a goodly inheritance (Proverbs 28:10; RSV).

Blessed is the man who fears the Lord always (Proverbs 28:14: RSV).

Righteousness gives strength and favor.
The way of the Lord is strength to the upright (Proverbs 10:29; KJV).
A good man obtaineth favour of the Lord (Proverbs 12:2; KJV).

He that pursueth righteousness and lovingkindness shall find honour (Proverbs 21:21; RHIM).

Godly living promotes peace and safety.
Whoso walketh uprightly, walketh securely (Proverbs 10:9; SPRL).
the seed of the righteous shall be delivered (Proverbs 11:21; KJV).

When a man's ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him (Proverbs 16:7; KJV).

he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul (Proverbs 16:17; KJV).

He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his soul (Proverbs 19:16; ASV).