Right of Way

(Pro 13:6 KJV)  Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.

The concept of “righteousness” (6666) is something that, for some reason, is controversial.  There are those who love to quote Paul’s statement that “there is none righteous…”  The sad part is that they usually quote this out of context, and use it incorrectly.

As I read this today in the CSB I got a little bit of a different spin on it.

Proverbs 13:6 (CSB) Righteousness guards people of integrity, but wickedness undermines the sinner.

This verse to me points out that righteousness is not just a condition, but it is a set of actions.  Although I accept the fact that God can make us righteous, and does, in the context of the wickedness mentioned here I think Solomon is saying that righteous actions reinforce and guard our integrity.  Integrity is based on reputation in many cases.  Moral and ethical behavior, reinforce our reputation as being righteous

So?  Don’t desert the understanding that God actually changes our hearts, but also don’t refuse to move on to applying that change to your daily behavior.  We are to be salt and light.  That means not just having a big smile and a positive attitude, but living a righteous life.