Pick a Direction

(Pro 10:16 KJV)  The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.

What is pinging me today is the idea of “righteousness” (6662) and the way in which this word is almost considered heresy among Christians.  They like to quote Paul,

(Rom 3:10 KJV)  As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

as he misquotes Psalms and they usually interpret it out of context.  This is a problem because “righteousness” is assumed to be possible and a reality in the Old Testament and even in the gospels.  In fact the English word is used thirteen times in this chapter of Proverbs alone.

That is why I like the KJV translation here.  It indicates that righteousness may be an inclination in our activities, an attitude, a desire, more than it is a perfect performance.

So?  Lean to righteousness.  Seek to live the upright life.  Don’t get consumed with earning your way to heaven with works.  That is not the issue.  Following Jesus is.  That will result in righteousness.