In our continuing study in the book of Proverbs, Alan taught about Proverbs on Righteousness a couple of weeks ago. To listen to this message, simply click on the audio player below. I’ve also included Alan’s outline and some notes with Scripture references linked to Bible Gateway or the NET Bible (which takes you to the chapter, so you’ll need to scroll down to the specific verses).
Proverbs on Righteousness
Introduction: Righteousness Defined
God sees righteousness as to be free of guilt or sin. For man, it is walking the morally straight path.
Types of Righteousness
- Self-righteousness is comparative righteousness – Romans 10:3-4
- Positional righteousness – Justified because of Christ – Romans 3:19-26 (NET Bible). We are not made righteous; Christ’s righteousness is imputed to us.
- Practical righteousness – Sanctified – Romans 6:13-14 – walk in righteousness.
Key Words about Righteousness in Proverbs
- uprightness – carries the idea of equity, being fair or impartial. Also has the sense of walking straight according to a fixed moral order.
- blameless – the word denotes completeness, wholeness, consistency. Not being double-minded, double-tongued, or double-hearted.
- goodness – in Proverbs, the emphasis on a good person is one who acts in the benefit of others, not in selfish gain.
- kindness (hesed) – much the same as goodness, but commonly paired with reliability and faithfulness.
- James 3:13-18
- Wisdom and Righteousness are Connected – Proverbs 14:33-35
- v. 33 – Wisdom is both a matter of the head and of the heart.
- Fools have no wisdom in their hearts.
- v. 34 – Righteousness affects nations.
- From the leadership down
- When leadership doesn’t care about righteousness, it is a disgrace
- v. 35 – Wise leaders are to be competent enough to surround themselves with people who don’t bring shame upon them.
- v. 33 – Wisdom is both a matter of the head and of the heart.
- A Righteous Person Understands the Power of Words – Proverbs 15:1-4
- v. 1 – A wise leader knows anger will more than likely bring more anger, so they restrain their response.
- v. 2 – A wise leader knows what he’s talking about; a foolish man spews out folly (moral corruption that impacts judgment and reason).
- v. 3 – A wise leader knows that they are being watched and are held accountable.
- v. 4 – A wise leader speaks words of healing that don’t fracture people’s spirits.
- Note: the context of Proverbs 14:33-15:4 is a description of a righteous leader (king), but the truths speak to anyone.
A wise leader cares about the benefit of others over themselves.
Colona Community Church 