Two Step

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

We have the “good” (2896a) and the “righteous” (6662).  Are these different levels or just synonyms?  Is it possible to be generally good and not be righteous?  I think it may be.  Our communities are full of good people who have not turned their lives over to Jesus.  You can go to a park and see people investing in their children.  You watch firefighters risking their lives for their fellow citizens.  Acts of heroism and general responsibility are common, yet the number who would claim Jesus as Lord is low.

We should be open to good examples wherever we find them.  We should be free to praise people who do right and give our approval.  At the same time we are called to go that extra step and live on the next level.  

So?  While you approve of good behavior realize that we are called to kneel at the feet of the righteous one.  Doing good things will not save us.  Only the blood of the Perfect Lamb of God can do that.  Then we can go on being good.