PURSUIT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
The pursuit of RIGHTEOUSNESS is very important, and there are special promises of blessings for those who seek RIGHTEOUSNESS. Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS, and all these things shall be added unto you!” (Matthew 6:33)
I Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 2:22; Titus 2:12 – 11) …But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness... 22) Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart... 12) teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.
I Peter 2:24 – …who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.
He that follows after RIGHTEOUSNESS AND MERCY – finds LIFE, RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND HONOR!
- (Amp) He who earnestly seeks after and craves righteousness, mercy, and loving-kindness will find life in addition to righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God) and honor.
- (NLV) He who follows what is right and loving and kind finds life, right-standing with God and honor.
CONDITIONS OF BLESSING
Some expect and may even selfishly demand benefits from the Lord without being willing to meet His conditions of blessing. There are many promises that are contingent upon us obediently doing our part, for their fulfillment. Here are a few of them:
2 Chronicles 7:14 – If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; THEN will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Isaiah 1:19-20 – If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; 20 But if you refuse and rebel,
You shall be devoured by the sword”; For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.
I John 1:9 – If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Jeremiah 29:13 – And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.
Proverbs 8:17 – I love those who love me, And those who seek me diligently will find me.
James 4:8 – Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
- Special note: The above verses are some of so many that reveal that we need to do our part. The Lord is faithful to do what He has promised to do, as we willingly follow His instructions. Although RIGHTEOUSNESS is much more than “do’s and don’t’s, being willing to keep His commandments is a very important part of RIGHTEOUSNESS. It has to do with living a lifestyle that is godly – patterned after the Lord, and living to do His will, NOT GOING OUR OWN WAY, AND PURSUING OUR OWN WILL – OR THAT OF THIS WORLD.
I Peter 1:15-16 – ...as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”
- Special note: God created us to be like Him. He is holy. He wants us also to live holy lives. That means we need to love Him more than this world, and be willing to live holy, separated lives unto him that are not patterned after the world.
Romans 6:13 – And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God….
I Corinthians 15:34 – Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.
- Special note: NOW IS THE TIME! There’s coming a time when our destiny will be set – it will already be too late then for some to repent of unrighteousness and turn to God! “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2 “…the time is at hand. 11 He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still.” – Revelation 22:11
PROVERBS
There are so many illustrations of conditional blessings throughout the Bible, especially in the Books of PSALMS & Proverbs. Here are some of them from just the first 3 chapters of Proverbs, and 1st Psalm…
Proverbs 1:20-33 – Wisdom cries without: she utters her voice… 23) TURN YOU AT MY REPROOF (repent): behold, I will pour out My Spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. 24) Because I have called and you refused, I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded, 25 Because you disdained all my counsel, and would have none of my rebuke, 26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your terror comes, 27 When your terror comes like a storm, and your destruction comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you. 28 “Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me. 29 Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord, 30 They would have none of my counsel and despised my every rebuke. 31 Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, And be filled to the full with their own fancies. 32 For the turning away of the simple will slay them, And the complacency of fools will destroy them; 33 But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil.”
Proverbs 2:1-9; 20-22 – My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you, 2 So that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; 3 Yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, 4 If you seek her as silver, and search for her 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 uprightly; 8 He guards the paths of justice, and preserves the way of His saints. 9 Then you will understand righteousness and justice, equity and every good path... So you may walk in the way of goodness, and keep to the paths of righteousness. 21 For the upright will dwell in the land, and the blameless will remain in it; 22 But the wicked (transgressors; treacherous; unjust; sinners; those who deal in deceit) will be cut off from the earth, and the unfaithful will be uprooted from it.
Proverbs 3:5-6,9-10, 21-24, 31-35 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. 6) In all your ways acknowledge Him, AND he shall direct your paths... Honor the Lord with your substance, and with the first-fruits of all your increase SO shall your barns be filled with plenty… let not them (wisdom and understanding) depart from your eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: SO shall they be life unto your soul... THEN shall you walk in your way safely, and your foot shall not stumble… and your sleep shall be sweet... 31)Do not envy the oppressor, and choose none of his ways; 32 FOR the perverse person is an abomination to the Lord, BUT His secret counsel is with the RIGHTEOUS (UPRIGHT).33 The curse of the Lord is In the house of the wicked, BUT He blesses the home of the just.34 Surely He scorns the scornful, But gives grace to the humble.35 The wise shall inherit glory, But shame shall be the legacy of fools.
Psalm 1:1-6 – Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night.
3 He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper. 4 The ungodly are not so, But are like the chaff which the wind drives away. 5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6 For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the ungodly shall perish.
- Special note: The above Scriptures are a few of the many show that there are major consequences for our decisions and actions. When we choose to be WISE and live in the way of RIGHTEOUSNESS, there is great reward! When we refuse to follow God’s instructions, live foolishly, and pursue UNRIGHTEOUSNESS the result is death and destruction!
benefits of THE PURSUIT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
How can we expect RIGHTEOUSNESS to benefit our life, family, FRIENDS, community and nation when we are willing to pursue RIGHTEOUSNESS?
RIGHTEOUSNESS BRINGS HONOR
Proverbs 14:34 – Righteousness [moral and spiritual integrity and virtuous character] exalts a nation... (AMP)
Proverbs 21:21 – He that follows after RIGHTEOUSNESS and mercy – finds LIFE, RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND HONOR!
- Special note: When we seek, pursue, and follow after RIGHTEOUSNESS, not only will we find RIGHTEOUSNESS – but so many more blessings as well!
“ALL THESE THINGS” (JESUS)
Matthew 6:33 – “Seek first the kingdom of God AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS, and all these things shall be added unto you!” …
MULTIPLIED BLESSINGS
Psalm 33:12 – Blessed is the NATION whose God is the Lord (one of His names is – “LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS” – Jeremiah 23:6; 33:16) – the people whom He has chosen.…
- Special note: If we want our nations to be blessed, we MUST BE WILLING to allow Jesus to have his rightful place of Lordship! “…God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” – Philippians 2:9-11
Psalm 24:4-6 – He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, Nor sworn deceitfully 5 He shall receive blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
Psalm 5:12 – … You Lord will bless the RIGHTEOUS…
Proverbs 20:7 – The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him.
Psalm 106:3 – Blessed are those who keep justice, And he who does righteousness at all times!
Proverbs 10:22 – The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.
Psalm 37:16 – A little that a righteous man has is better than the riches of many wicked.
Proverbs 10:6-7 – Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked.
7 The memory of the righteous is blessed, but the name of the wicked will rot.
Proverbs 13:22 – …the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.
Matthew 5:6,10 – Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled... Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
JUSTIFICATION GIVEN BY THE LORD
2 Chronicles 6:23 – …then hear from heaven, and act, and judge Your servants, bringing retribution on the wicked by bringing his way on his own head, and justifying the righteous by giving him according to his righteousness.
GUIDANCE
Psalm 23:3 – He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.
Psalm 5:8 – Lead me in your RIGHTEOUSNESS…
Proverbs 2:20 – So you may walk in the way of goodness, And keep to the paths of righteousness.
Psalm 145:17 – The Lord is righteous in all of His ways..
Psalm 32:8 – The Lord is instructing me and teaching me the RIGHT way to go…
Proverbs 4:11 – I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths…
Proverbs 8:18,20 – I traverse the way of righteousness, In the midst of the paths of justice,
Psalm 145:17 – The Lord is righteous in all His ways, gracious in all His works.
Psalm 107:7 – And He led them forth by the right way, That they might go to a city for a dwelling place.
Psalm 85:13 – … Righteousness will go before Him, and shall make His footsteps our pathway.
Proverbs 11:3 – The integrity of the upright (RIGHTEOUS) will guide them, but the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them... The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way aright, but the wicked will fall by his own wickedness.
Isaiah 2:3 – He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
Isaiah 26:9 – …when Your judgments are in the earth, The inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.
DEFENSE AND JUST JUDGMENT
Psalm 9:4,8 – For You have maintained my right and my cause; You sat on the throne judging in righteousness… He shall judge the world in righteousness, And He shall administer judgment for the peoples in uprightness.
CLOTHING
Job 29:14(a) “I put on righteousness, and it clothed me; My justice was like a robe and a turban.”
Special notes: Righteousness is beautiful clothing. Psalm 33:1 – …praise from the upright is beautiful.
- It fits well and looks good on us – we are well-dressed and well-fitted with righteousness.
- Just the opposite – unrighteousness makes us look bad. We don’t look good for the Lord’s sake, when we do things that don’t show forth the beauty of Jesus!
- The Psalmist prayed – “…let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, And establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands.” (Psalm 90:17)
Is. 61:10 (a) – I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness.
- We are reminded to do what’s right all the time, and in every situation. It is what is to be seen by the life we live….
- Righteousness – always doing the right thing is beautiful to behold.
Ephesians 4:23-24 – be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
Psalm 132:9 – Let Your priests be clothed with righteousness, And let Your saints shout for joy.
LIGHT
Psalm 37:5-7 – Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.6 He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, And your justice as the noonday.
Psalm 97:11 – Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.
Proverbs 13:9 – The light of the righteous rejoices, But the lamp of the wicked will be put out.
Psalm 112:4 – Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness; He is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.
Proverbs 13:9 – The light of the righteous rejoices, But the lamp of the wicked will be put out.
Isaiah 2:5 – …come and let us walk in the light of the Lord.
Isaiah 62:1 – – For Zion’s sake I will not hold My peace, And for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, Until her righteousness goes forth as brightness, And her salvation as a lamp that burns.
REWARDS
2 Samuel 22:21,25 – “The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness; According to the cleanness of my hands He has recompensed me.
I Samuel 26:23- May the Lord repay every man for his righteousness and his faithfulness…
I Timothy 6:5 – Godliness with contentment is great gain.
Psalm 18:20,21 – … The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness;–- For I have kept the ways of the Lord,
and have not wickedly departed from my God.
Psalm 58:11 – “…Verily there is a reward for the righteous: verily he is a God that judges in the earth.”
Matthew 10:41 – And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.
Isaiah 48:13,18 – Indeed My hand has laid the foundation of the earth, And My right hand has stretched out the heavens; … 18) Oh, that you had heeded My commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, And your righteousness like the waves of the sea.
Proverbs 11:18 …to him that sows RIGHTEOUSNESS shall be a sure reward.
Proverbs 11:31 – If the righteous will be recompensed on the earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner.
Abraham – commanded his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord – that the Lord may bring upon him (all that which had been spoken). (Genesis 18:19)
Matthew 25:21-23,25;31-32,37,41,46 – ((Well done, good and FAITHFUL (RIGHTEOUS) servant – He is rewarded! BUT the WICKED, slothful, unprofitable servant is punished with darkness, weeping, and gnashing of teeth! The goats (Nations) are separated from the sheep (nations)… the sheep – blessed, inherit the kingdom prepared from the foundation of the world. (Why?) FOR the hungry were fed; the thirsty were given drink; the strangers were lodged; the naked were clothed; the sick were visited; prisoners were visited… 37) (the RIGHTEOUS SAY – When?)… “when you’ve done it to the least of my brothers – you have done it to me” (JESUS SAID).. 41) those on the left (WICKED) – are cursed with everlasting fire with the devil and his angels… BUT THE RIGHTEOUS are blessed with eternal life!))
- Special note: Good, godly STEWARDSHIP is important to the Lord!
MERCIFUL, loving-KINDNESS
I Kings 3:6 – And Solomon said: “You have shown great mercy to Your servant David my father, because he walked before You in truth, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with You; You have continued this great kindness for him, and You have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.
Psalm 36:10 – Oh, continue Your lovingkindness to those who know You, and Your righteousness to the upright in heart.
ANSWERS TO PRAYER WITH AWESOME ACTS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
Psalm 65:5 – By awesome deeds in righteousness You will answer us, O God of our salvation, You who are the confidence of all the ends of the earth, And of the far-off seas…
The godly pray in an accepted time (when He may be found)… (Psalm 32:6)
James 5:16 – The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
Psalm 34:15-17; I Peter 3:12 – The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry. 16 The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.17 The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles.
Psalm 37:4-5 – Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.
Proverbs 15:29 – The Lord is far from the wicked, But He hears the prayer of the righteous.
JOY
Romans 14:17 – …the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Psalm 32:11 – Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous; And shout for joy, all you upright in heart!
Psalm 68:3,4 – But let the righteous be glad; Let them rejoice before God; Yes, let them rejoice exceedingly.
Psalm 97:12 – Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.
- Special note: The RIGHTEOUS have great reason to rejoice and be glad and give thanks. (Psalm 33:1)
Psalm 107:41-42 – Yet He sets the poor on high, far from affliction, And makes their families like a flock. The righteous see it and rejoice…
Proverbs 23:24 – The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice, And he who begets a wise child will delight in him.
Psalm 45:6-7 – Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom. You love righteousness and hate wickedness; THEREFORE God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of gladness more than Your companions.
Proverbs 10:28 – The hope of the righteous will be gladness,. BUT the expectation of the wicked will perish.
Psalm 16:11 – You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
- Special note: The revelation of the Lord’s RIGHT HAND is amazing! Psalm 45:10 – Your “right hand” is full of righteousness.
Psalm 19:8,9 – The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; …The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
Proverbs 28:12 – When the righteous rejoice, there is great glory; But when the wicked arise, men hide themselves.
Proverbs 29:2 – When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.
Proverbs 11:10 – …when it goes well with the RIGHTEOUS the city rejoices.
PEACEABLE FRUIT
Hebrews 12:11 – (chastening) afterwards – yields the peaceable fruit of RIGHTEOUSNESS.
Psalm 37:37 – Mark the blameless man, and observe the upright; for the future of that man is peace.
BEAUTIFUL, bountiful HARVEST of peace / FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT / SOWING AND REAPING
James 3:17,18 – (AMP) the wisdom from above is… full of compassion and good fruits… (CEB) filled with mercy and good actions, (EXB) …always ready to help those who are troubled and to do good for others (GNT) …is full of compassion and produces a harvest of good deeds… (NLT) is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. 18) (NLT)…peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness... (NEX) …the fruit that consists of righteousness is planted in peace among those who make peace. (NIRV) Those who make peace plant it like a seed. They will harvest a crop of right living. (TLB) those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of goodness. (PHILLIPS) …the wise are peace-makers who go on quietly sowing for a harvest of righteousness—in other people and in themselves.
Isaiah 32:17 – The work of righteousness will be peace, And the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.
Psalm 61:11 – For as the earth brings forth its bud, as the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring forth, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.
Proverbs 12:12– …the root of the righteous yields fruit.
Ephesians. 5:9 – …for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth...
Hebrews 12:11 – Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
Proverbs 11:28 – The RIGHTEOUS shall flourish as a branch.
Psalm 92:12 – The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
Psalm 72:1-3,7 – Give the king Your judgments, O God, and Your righteousness to the king’s Son. He will judge Your people with righteousness.. In His days the righteous shall flourish, and abundance of peace,
Psalm 85:10-11 – Mercy and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed. Truth shall spring out of the earth, and righteousness shall look down from heaven…
Hosea 10:12 – Sow for yourselves righteousness; Reap in mercy; Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the Lord, Till He comes and rains righteousness on you.
Psalm 18:25 – The merciful receive mercy. UPRIGHTNESS brings God’s UPRIGHTNESS shown to us! To the pure He shows Himself pure.
- Special note: We reap what we sow! Galatians 6:7-8 – Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 2 Thessalonians 3:13 –…do not grow weary in doing good.
Proverbs 13:21– Evil pursues sinners, But to the righteous, good shall be repaid.
PROVISION
Psalm 37:3,19 – Trust in the Lord and DO GOOD so shall you dwell in the land, and verily you shall be fed...They (the UPRIGHT) shall not be ashamed in the evil time, and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied. But the wicked shall perish; and the enemies of the Lord…25)I have been young, and now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his descendants begging bread. 26 …his descendants are blessed.
Proverbs 10:3 – The Lord will not allow the righteous soul to famish, BUT He casts away the desire of the wicked.
Proverbs 13:5 -The righteous eats to the satisfying of his soul, But the stomach of the wicked shall be in want.
Proverbs 15:6– In the house of the righteous there is much treasure, But in the revenue of the wicked is trouble.
Matthew 6:33 – “Seek first the kingdom of God AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS, and all these things shall be added unto you!” …
SALVATION
Psalm 37: 39-40 – But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in the time of trouble.
40 And the Lord shall help them and deliver them; He shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in Him.
Psalm 109:31 – He shall stand at the right hand of the poor, to save him from those who condemn him.
Psalm 138:7 – You will stretch out Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right hand will save me.
Psalm 24:5 – He shall receive blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
Psalm 71:15 – – My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness And Your salvation all the day…
Isaiah 46:13; 51:1,5-8; 56:1- I bring My righteousness near, it shall not be far off; My salvation shall not linger. And I will place salvation in Zion, For Israel My glory...“Listen to Me, you who follow after righteousness,
You who seek the Lord: …My righteousness is near, My salvation has gone forth… My salvation will be forever, And My righteousness will not be abolished... 7 “Listen to Me, you who know righteousness, You people in whose heart is My law:…But My righteousness will be forever, And My salvation from generation to generation.”… Thus says the Lord: “Keep justice, and do righteousness, For My salvation is about to come, And My righteousness to be revealed.
Matthew 25:34-46 – Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:.. 40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ 41 “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: …45 Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ 46 And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
Isaiah 63:1 – Who is this…This One who is glorious in His apparel, Traveling in the greatness of His strength?— “I who speak in righteousness, mighty to save.”
LIFE
RIGHTEOUSNESS tends to life... (Proverbs 11:19)
Proverbs 11:30 – The fruit of the RIGHTEOUS is a tree of life.
Proverbs 10:26 – The labor of the righteous leads to life, The wages of the wicked to sin.
John 14:6 – Jesus said unto him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes unto the Father, but by me.”
- Special note: Jesus is the way – He is the right way that leads to life, and He can make us right with Himself, and righteous, by faith. Amen! Hallelujah! Philippians 3:9 – …and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith… Man’s foolish way leads to death – Proverbs 16:25 – There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.
Proverbs 21:21 – He that follows after RIGHTEOUSNESS AND MERCY – finds LIFE, RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND HONOR!
Proverbs 12:28 – In the way of righteousness is life, And in its pathway there is no death.
FAITH
Romans 1:17 – …the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”
Hebrews 11:33 – who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions…
REVIVAL
Psalm 119:40 – …Revive me in Your righteousness.
Psalm 138:7 – Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me…
Psalm 143:11 – … Revive me, O Lord, for Your name’s sake! For Your righteousness’ sake bring my soul out of trouble.
Isaiah 1:26-27 – I will restore your judges as at the first, And your counselors as at the beginning. Afterward you shall be called the city of righteousness, the faithful city.” 27) Zion shall be redeemed with justice, And her penitents with righteousness...
Acts 3:19 – Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord…
IT “HALLOWS” THE LORD
Isaiah 5:16 – But the Lord of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, And God who is holy shall be hallowed in righteousness.
- Special note: As Jesus taught us to pray – “…Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done…
HAPPINESS
I Peter 3:14 – … if you suffer for RIGHTEOUSNESS sake, be happy – don’t be afraid or troubled.
RIGHT THOUGHTS
Proverbs 12:5 –The thoughts of the RIGHTEOUS are RIGHT!
Psalm 33:4,5 – The Word of the Lord is RIGHT…
Proverbs 11:23 – The desire of the RIGHTEOUS is only good…
Proverbs 10:24 – the desire of the righteous will be granted.
RIGHT WORDS
Proverbs 10:11,14, 20, 31,32 – The mouth of the righteous is a well of life, BUT violence covers the mouth of the wicked...14) the mouth of the foolish is near destruction. 20) The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; The heart of the wicked is worth little... 31)The mouth of the JUST brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut out. 32) The lips of the RIGHTEOUS know what is acceptable, BUT the mouth of the wicked what is perverse.
Proverbs 23:16 – …my inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak right things.
Psalm 37: 30-31 – The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom, and his tongue talks of justice. 31 The law of his God is in his heart; None of his steps shall slide.
Proverbs 12:17 – …He who speaks truth declares righteousness, But a false witness, deceit.
Provers 13:5 – A righteous man hates lying...
Proverbs 15:2 – – The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.
Proverbs 8:6, 8-9 – Listen, for I (Wisdom) will speak of excellent things, And from the opening of my lips will come right things;.. All the words of my mouth are with righteousness; Nothing crooked or perverse is in them. They are all plain to him who understands, And right to those who find knowledge.
Isaiah – “I, the Lord, speak righteousness, I declare things that are right. 23) I have sworn by Myself; The word has gone out of My mouth in righteousness…
PROTECTION AND HELP
Isaiah 54:17 – No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their RIGHTEOUSNESS is from Me,” Says the Lord.
Ephesians 6:10-13 – Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil... 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness…
Psalm 1:6 – …the Lord knows the way of the RIGHTEOUS, but the way of the UNGODLY shall perish.
Psalm 25:21,22 – Let INTEGRITY AND UPRIGHTNESS preserve me…
Proverbs 11:6,8 – The righteousness of the upright will deliver them, But the unfaithful will be caught by their lust.…. (Proverbs 11:4,8)
Proverbs 10:2 – Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, But righteousness delivers from death.
Proverbs 18:10 – The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.
Proverbs 12:6 – The mouth of the UPRIGHT shall deliver them.
Proverbs 13:6 – Righteousness guards him whose way is blameless, BUT wickedness overthrows the sinner.
Proverbs 11:21,31 – The seed of the RIGHTEOUS shall be delivered... The RIGHTEOUS shall be recompensed in the earth.
Psalm 37:17,28,29 – For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, But the Lord upholds the righteous... 28) For the Lord loves justice, and does not forsake His saints; They are preserved forever, 32) The wicked watches the righteous, and seeks to slay him. 33 The Lord will not leave him in his hand...
Psalm 34:19 – Many are the afflictions of the RIGHTEOUS, but the Lord delivers him out of them all!
Isaiah 41:10-13; 42:6 – Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand ( right hand of my righteousness).’… 13) For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’ … “I, the Lord, have called You in righteousness, And will hold Your hand…
John 17:12 – “...I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost…” (JESUS)
COURAGE AND BOLDNESS
Proverbs 28:1 – The wicked flee when no one pursues, But the righteous are bold as a lion.
INHERITANCE
Psalm 37:9,18,22,29 – For the Lord loves justice, and does not forsake His saints; They are preserved forever,The Lord knows the days of the upright, and their inheritance shall be forever... 22) For those blessed by Him shall inherit the earth, But those cursed by Him shall be cut off... 27) Depart from evil, and do good; And dwell forevermore... 29) The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell in it forever... 34) Wait on the Lord,
and keep His way, and He shall exalt you to inherit the land; When the wicked are cut off, you shall see it.
ENLARGEMENT IN DISTRESS
Psalm 4:1 – God of my RIGHTEOUSNESS – you are enlarging me in my distress.
PLEASES THE LORD
Proverbs 11:1,20 – …Such as are UPRIGHT in their way are the Lord’s delight.
Proverbs 11:1,27 – …a just weight is His delight… 27) He that diligently seeks good procures favor.
Proverbs 12:2– A good man obtains favor of the Lord.
Psalm 37:23 – The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way.
Psalm 145:8;33:5 – …The Lord loves the righteous... The earth is full of His goodness.
Jeremiah 9:24 – But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the Lord.
Acts 10:35 – But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.
INDWELLING OF CHRIST AND ABIDING IN HIM
Psalm 14:5 – …God is in the generation of the RIGHTEOUS…
Psalm 15:1-2 – Who shall abide in your tabernacle? Those that walk UPRIGHTLY, and speak truth in their heart! (don’t backbite, don’t do evil to his neighbor, don’t take up a reproach against his neighbor).
Psalm 140:13 – The RIGHTEOUS/UPRIGHT give thanks and continue to dwell in His presence (He dwells in the praises of His people – Ps.22:3)
BRINGS GLORY TO THE LORD through the work of the holy spirit
Isaiah 24:16 – From the ends of the earth we have heard songs: “Glory to the righteous!”
Isaiah 61:3 – That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”
The work of the Holy Spirit –- RIGHTEOUSNESS! … The work of the Holy Spirit is to glorify Jesus! (John 16:8,10,14)
Jesus wants us to clearly hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches! (Revelation 2:17)
ESTABLISHES THE RULE AND REIGN OF JESUS
Is. 32:1 – Behold, a king will reign in righteousness… (King JESUS!)
Hebrews 1:18 – But to the Son He says: “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom.
INSTRUCTION IN RIGHTEOUSNESS EQUIPS US FOR GOOD WORKS
2 Timothy 3:16 – All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete (perfect) , thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Hebrews 5:13 – For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe.
STEADFAST RIGHTEOUSNESS
Job 27:6 – My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go…
Proverbs 12:3,7 – The root of the RIGHTEOUS shall not be moved... 7) The tongue of the RIGHTEOUS shall stand.
Proverbs 10:25,29,30 …the RIGHTEOUSNESS has an everlasting foundation… 30) The way of the Lord is strength to the UPRIGHT. 30) The RIGHTEOUS shall never be removed.
Psalm 112:1-3,6,9 – …Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, Who delights greatly in His commandments. Wealth and riches will be in his house, And his righteousness endures forever. Surely he will never be shaken; The righteous will be in everlasting remembrance. He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever;
Psalm 37: 30-31 – The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom… None of his steps shall slide.
2 Peter 3:17 – … beware – don’t fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked;…
RIGHTEOUSNESS BRINGS EXALTATION
Proverbs 11:11 – By the blessing of the UPRIGHT the city is exalted...
Proverbs 21:21 – He that follows after RIGHTEOUSNESS AND MERCY – finds LIFE, RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND HONOR!
Psalm 33:12 – Blessed is the NATION whose God is the Lord!
- Special note: If we want God’s blessing upon our nation, we need to allow Him to truly be our Lord, and be people of truth! The Church is the pillar and ground of TRUTH – I Timothy 3:15. Open the gates, That the righteous nation which keeps the truth may enter in – Isaiah 26:2
Isaiah 33:5 – The Lord is exalted, for He dwells on high; He has filled Zion with justice and righteousness.
Psalm 89:16 – In Your name they rejoice all day long, and in Your righteousness they are exalted…
Proverbs 14:34 – Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people.
- Special note: Take away the wicked from before the king, And his throne will be established in righteousness.
