“Righteousness guards the one whose way is blameless, But wickedness overthrows the sinner.” (Proverbs 13:6) If we had a choice, which would we choose in life . . . to be guarded or sabotaged. What we learn from this proverb is that we can actually choose which one we experience from day to day. Choose righteousness and we will be guarded – but choose wickedness and we will find our way sabotaged. Let’s take a look at these two choices and their outcomes.
Righteousness is the Hebrew word “sedaqah“ which means to do what is right; to have blameless conduct; and to walk in integrity. The one who accepts righteousness supports justice, right actions and attitudes, and a lifestyle that will mirror the heart and character of God. We are told here that righteousness will guard us. The word guard means to watch over closely, to hide from evil, and to preserve. Choosing biblical and moral integrity will watch for us to keep us on the blameless way. When we walk with God in this way – desiring and choosing righteousness – our VERY WAY WILL BE GUARDED – and it will be a way that God approves and one in which He delights.
In the New Testament God tells us that He works marvelously in our hearts through the person of the Holy Spirit. He instructs and leads us in the way we should go JUSTIN. He teaches us – but He also rebukes and corrects us when we are about to go astray. God the Holy Spirit will guard us and make sure that we stay on a blameless path before God as we walk through our day. How does He do this? He does it as we focus on righteousness and holiness – when we focus on a lifestyle that will please and honor God.
Remember, “…all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…” (Rom. 3:23) The sinner has another path – one that is far less secure. The sinner here is the “chattah“ the one missing the mark. The sinner is at fault with God and is failing Him in his choices and desires. It is “wickedness” that is doing this to him. This word describes wrong doing – but it refers to it in the context of rebellion against the Lord God. The sinner misses the mark – because he doesn’t even have the right target up when he is shooting. What do we need to do?
“…repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. Until the time when God makes EVERYTHING NEW, and He will again send you Jesus, your appointed Messiah.” (Acts 3:19-20)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham