Those who pursue righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor.
Reflection
As I dove into understanding the book of Proverbs and our verse for today (21:21), I called upon my trusty Study Bible. I learned that Proverbs is a series of collections whose authorship was traditionally attributed to Solomon. Actually, the book received its final editing during the post-exilic period (6th century BCE and later). The authors of the collection of mostly two-line sayings were the sages, a social class that served as counselors, and teachers during the Divided Kingdom and as preservers of tradition in the later periods. Most of these, such as our verse for today go beyond simple observation into the area of moral teaching. I especially appreciate verse 21:3 because it reminds us that God expects us to ACT with righteousness and justice. This is not a passive suggestion but rather a direct command. Verse 21:3 tells us, “Acting with righteousness and justice is more valued by the Lord than sacrifice.”
What is righteous living? Through the way we love others, provide for the physical needs of the needy, provide for the spiritual needs of others, and through being ministers of reconciliation—these are how we live out the righteousness of God in our lives. It’s not as simple as putting a check in the offering plate each Sunday but that is certainly part of it. There is to be a desire at the heart level to honor the vows you make, speak truthfully to others, and to be content in your circumstances. These are some of the actions of righteous people.
True understanding of “righteous living” is difficult to be fully captured by words. In fact, those who achieve this understanding do not feel the need to speak of it. Contemporary language would define it this way: Actions speak louder than words! People with deep understanding and mastery often work silently, letting their actions speak rather than boasting. Conversely, those who talk extensively about their knowledge often possess only superficial understanding. “Those who know the way don’t talk about it” is a famous quote attributed to the ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu in the Tao Te Ching: “Those who know do not speak. Those who speak do not know.”
Pastor Joe’s message this week spoke about what it means to live a full and abundant life, according to Jesus. As I conclude my pondering on today’s scripture I believe we can agree that as we pursue righteousness and kindness we are indeed living life ABUNDANTLY. May our lives be enriched by our actions as we follow in the footsteps of Christ every day.
by Kathleen Stolz
For Pondering and Prayer
Most of us reading today’s devotion lead busy lives. Reading this is possibly all you have time for! As you continue your hectic life, I suggest you listen to that still small voice about your pursuit of righteous living. What does your life look like?
A few weeks ago, I mentioned in my devotion that my personal mission statement includes “As a follower of Jesus, I put love first.” Where, when, or how do you make room for acting as one of the followers of Jesus?
Take ten minutes to contemplate what your life is like. What are you pursuing? Actively pursuing? Is your reply “righteousness”?
What is one action, one step that you can take within this day to say you have acted in a “righteous” way?
Prayer: God of Many Names, as I travel through life may my footsteps be humble reminders of the way Jesus would have us live; with righteousness and kindness. Put me to doing your work and your will in the world so that all your children may be attracted to your love and mercy and be drawn into the embrace of your love. Give me courage and strength for the journey. Amen.
