In today’s world, people are in a constant rush to become successful, but the tactics employed by men of the world are different from the ways of men of God. In Proverbs 12, King Solomon contrasts the behavior of the wicked and the righteous and confirms that “Wickedness never brings stability, but the godly have deep roots.” (Proverbs 12:3) The success, fame or fortune that a person enjoys accordingly to worldly standards is only temporary, but true lasting success and eternal joy is a reward that is kept for those who walk in righteousness and are firmly rooted in Christ. Solomon concludes the comparison of the upright and the wicked in this chapter: “In the way of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death.” (Pro 12:28)

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Who are the righteous?

The dictionary definition of righteousness is ‘being morally right or justifiable.’ The simple Biblical understanding of righteousness is having a right standing or right relationship with God. True righteousness is not possible for man to attain in his own ability because, through Adam all mankind fell into sin and separation from God. Perfect righteousness is possible only through Jesus Christ. God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21). Only through absolute faith and complete dependence on Christ are we made righteous (Romans 3:22). Our righteousness is a gift from God: We are made right with God because Jesus paid the price for our sin.

 

What is the way of the righteous?

Having been cleansed by the blood of Christ and made right with God, the righteous are called to live holy and perfect lives, that are fully pleasing to our Heavenly Father. “… like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:5-16)
How can we live holy lives in this fallen world?

• By abiding in Christ and growing in a fruitful relationship with Him: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
   

• By putting to death the deeds of the flesh: “If by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” (Romans 8:13)

   

• Becoming obedient to the guidance of the Holy Spirit: “… those who are according to the Spirit, (set their minds on) the things of the Spirit.  For … the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.” (Romans 8:5-6)

   

• Growing in the Word of God: "This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.” (Joshua 1:8)

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What is the reward for the righteous?


The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever. (1 John 2:17) To all who walk in the way of righteousness, God has promised a joyful eternal life with Christ. The second death has no power over His righteous ones. A beautiful picture of the promised eternal life and Heavenly abode that God has kept for His children is revealed in Revelations 22.

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Think on it:

“For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life,

and there are few who find it.”

Matthew 7:14
The question is,
“Are you on the narrow path that leads to life?”