Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor. – Proverbs 21:21
In his early years of reign over Judah, King Asa “did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God” (2 Chronicles 14:2). He took down the altars to the foreign gods and commanded Judah to seek the Lord and keep God’s law and commandments (v.4). When a million-man army came against them, he cried to the Lord for help, and God defeated the enemy. Asa knew there was none like the God of Israel to help those who are powerless against the mighty.
Today, you need to have the same attitude. To pursue righteousness is to seek to do what is right in God’s eyes, to live under the control of the Spirit so that love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control become a part of your life (Galatians 5:22-23).
The world may give you praise, but it is fleeting and worth little in the end. Immediate gratification detours from God’s ways and paths. The wise seek the honor the Lord can give – including respect among fellow men – and glory in the life to come. He leads you into a life of joy and prosperity on this Earth then life eternal. Your faith in the saving work of Christ allows Him to transform you into His righteousness.
Things have not changed since the early days of Israel. Moses said, “And you shall do what is right and good in the sight of the Lord, that it may go well with you” (Deuteronomy 6:18). God is willing to bless those who pursue Him. Pray now for this nation’s leaders to be wise in their decision-making, seeking to do what is right and good in the sight of the Lord.
Today’s Verse: Proverbs 21:21
Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness
will find life, righteousness, and honor.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Proverbs 2:1-11
My son, if you receive my words
and treasure up my commandments with you,
2 making your ear attentive to wisdom
and inclining your heart to understanding;
3 yes, if you call out for insight
and raise your voice for understanding,
4 if you seek it like silver
and search for it as for hidden treasures,
5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord
and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the Lord gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
7 he stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
he is a shield to those who walk in integrity,
8 guarding the paths of justice
and watching over the way of his saints.
9 Then you will understand righteousness and justice
and equity, every good path;
10 for wisdom will come into your heart,
and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul;
11 discretion will watch over you,
understanding will guard you,
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
