“Righteousness” (6664). We see the word repeatedly in Proverbs and the rest of scripture. It almost becomes a part of the scenery, like street lights. How often do you notice them? What is righteousness? Many Christians deny it is possible and yet remember the words of Jesus,
(Matthew 6:33 KJV) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.This verse gives us insight into how is it lived out in our lives.
Here righteousness is clarified by two opposites. The first in the KJV is “froward” (6617) or “crooked” in the NASB. No, “froward” is not a misprint or typo. You can find it in your dictionary. Since I had to look it up, let me share it with you: “Not easily controlled; stubbornly willful; contrary; refractory” and the obsolete meaning, which is closer to the KJV is “adverse; unfavorable.” Have you ever dropped a small piece of ice on the floor and tried to pick it up? No matter what you do, it squirts out between your fingers. That is froward. Other synonyms might be slick, slippery, obstreperous (for those who like big words). This kind of person is always looking for the angle that is best for them. Righteousness avoids that type of talk and approach to life. Truth is truth. It doesn’t change based on how it effects us.
Righteousness is not “perverted” (6141) {2:15}. A picture comes to mind. It comes because on the floor, in a box, by my desk is a pile of rope that my wife wants me to straighten out and tie neatly. It is all twisted and entwined. The root for this word is twisted. Perversion is a twisting of something that is good. We are not to make things complicated just to confuse and control. The obvious example would be contrasting sex in marriage and pornography. One not so obvious would be the prayer chain that becomes a gossip chain. Beware of twisting holy things into perversions.
So? Seek His kingdom. Seek His righteousness. One way to do that is to make our conversations direct and honest. Don’t feel like you have to be all things to all people. Remember that “I don’t know” is a good answer.
2 comments:
Sometimes it would be easy to say an untruth and call it a "little white lie."
We are about to leave for a "small groups" at the house of friends. Yesterday at church, the ladie of the house came up to me to remind me of the date, and asked me if I liked persimmon pudding. I winched a bit thinking "go ahead and say yes, because that's what she's having for a dessert.
My mind quickly went to the scripture that tells me that ALL liars have their place in the lake of fire. I had to tell her "No", but added to make it anyway and I'd try it...I then warned her not to ask me if it tasted good because she would receive an honest answer.
And I bet she took it well. How many misunderstandings could we avoid if we practiced what we preach. She was probably glad to know that she can try something different next.
And maybe you actually liked her recipe.
Grace and Peace
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