Pursuing Righteousness

September 4, 2011


Background Scripture: Proverbs 3
Lesson Passage: Proverbs 3:1 -12

The Book of Proverbs represents a collection of wise sayings compiled for the nation of Israel in the tenth century B.C. Historians have noted that all nations of people had collections of such sayings during the times of Solomon. The Book of 1 Kings states that Solomon received wisdom from God that exceeded the wisdom of all others. It is reported there that he spoke three thousand proverbs. This is more than what is recorded in the Book of Proverbs. Although the entire Book of Proverbs is often attributed to Solomon, there are two others identified as authors of portions of it—namely, Agur and Lemuel. The overarching theme of the book appears to be the importance of pursuing and obtaining wisdom. In fact, in a very poetic fashion, wisdom is often personified in the Book of Proverbs. Our lesson today from Chapter 3 addresses the benefits of righteousness that are enjoyed by the practitioner of righteous living. Righteousness in this context does not mean perfection but rather it means to be in right standing with God. Solomon describes eight actions and one attitude in the verses of our lesson that will bear fruits of righteousness in a person’s life. According to Solomon, our actions towards God should involve obeying His law, acknowledging Him, trusting Him, showing Him reverence, and honoring Him. Likewise, our character should reflect truthfulness, mercy, and avoiding evil. Finally, when we have done wrong, we should view personal chastisement as an act of divine love towards us. What is stated in the verses of our lesson reads very much like a list of promises. You will have a long life of peace if you keep the commandments. You will have favor with God and man if you are truthful and merciful. God will provide directions for your life if you acknowledge and trust Him. You will have health if you avoid evil and reverence God. You will have plenty of substance if you use what you have and what you obtain to honor God. You can be assured of God’s love for you and delight in you when you recognize when God is punishing you for disobedience. Surely a just God would not punish us if He had no desire to save us from the destruction that we would bring on ourselves. In other words, we are punished by God because of His love for us. These sayings challenge our conventional thinking about some of these areas. Such wisdom could only come from God. Since we are not born with a character that reflects these qualities, we must put forth the effort to pursue righteousness.


Robert C. Hudson
August 29, 2011