What is Right and How Can I Know?
What is right? In our relative, godless society, the answer to this question is blurred. The philosophy of the 21st century seems to be “what is right for you is right for you, and what is right for me is right for me.” Indeed, we have become almost like our own gods, determining for ourselves what is right and wrong.
Is there a standard for right and wrong? Who determines it? How can I know what is right?
Shortly after Solomon begins his reign as king of Israel, God gives him wisdom and discernment in answer to his prayer. In Proverbs 1-9, Solomon advises his sons (or students) to follow the path of wisdom, not the path of immorality or other seductions of the world.
In chapters 10-29, Solomon speaks many proverbs on various subjects. Proverbs are short sayings of wisdom that are usually true. They are not promises, although in reading them, they may sound like it. They are like jewels in a jewelry box. We pick one up, consider the different facets of the Proverb—how it applies to our lives. Then as we rub each gem of wisdom on the cloth of life, we appreciate it brilliance as our lives shine for God’s glory. Here is the first Jewel: What is Right?
Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Proverbs 10–13
Solomon wrote Proverbs 10-29 in the poetic form of parallelism (more…). Most of the poetry in chapters 10-13 are antithetical, i.e., the first verse ends with the conjunction, “but,” to introduce a contrasting thought in the second verse.
The two predominant themes in this section of Proverbs are the right use of our mouths or words versus the foolish use of the same, and righteousness versus wickedness. Before we discuss those, we should talk about what is right.
What is right? God’s Standard
A prominent theme in chapters 10-13 is the theme of righteousness. Righteousness is conformity to a standard, and namely, that standard is God. The LORD, the Almighty God, was before all things and the creator of all things (Genesis 1:1; John 1:1-3). He is good, just, holy, and altogether righteous (Psalm 11:7; 145:17).
God made the law and the commandments according to his wisdom, holiness, justice, and love. He is the author and determiner of what is right. We are his creation. We are to live up to his standard of righteousness, but there is a problem: We are born sinners (Romans 3:10-24) and cannot please God on our own. How are we to live righteously?
The answer is that righteousness comes by God’s grace through faith, This isn’t faith in faith but faith in God
(Romans 1:17). Unless we have a changed heart through faith in Jesus Christ, we won’t desire to live for God, and we will naturally be rebellious against his laws. Jesus would later say,
A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. (Luke 6:45, NIV)
What we say with our lips and how we live reveals the good or evil in our hearts. We need God’s help to speak and live right. Let’s ask him.
The Right Use of our Mouths
The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked. (10:11, NIV)
When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.
The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value.
The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of judgment. (10:19-21, NIV)
The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse. (10:32, NIV)
How will we use our mouths and the words that flow from it? A righteous man or woman uses his/her mouth for good, not evil, for encouraging, not discouraging. He will consider what he says before he speaks. He’ll speak when it fitting or appropriate.
What is Right is not Evil
The truly righteous man attains life, but he who pursues evil goes to his death.
The LORD detests men of perverse heart but he delights in those whose ways are blameless.
Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished, but those who are righteous will go free. (11:19-21, NIV)
A man cannot be established through wickedness, but the righteous cannot be uprooted. (12:3, NIV)
No harm befalls the righteous, but the wicked have their fill of trouble. (12:21, NIV)
In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immortality (12:28, NIV).
What path of life will we follow? A righteous man/woman has a changed heart and will follow the way which pleases God. Do we know him? (more…)
Discussion
Who determines what is right or wrong, and why is he qualified to do it?
What does Proverbs have to say about the use of our mouths or words?
What does Proverbs say about righteousness versus wickedness, and how can we live righteous before the LORD?
Focus Verse
Proverbs 10:29 (NIV) “The way of the LORD is a refuge for the righteous, but it is the ruin of those who do evil.”
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Looking Ahead: Most of us have acted foolish at one time or another. Where does foolishness start? How can it be prevented? How do we deal with someone who is a Fool? Don’t Be a Fool is the topic of our Next Lesson in Proverbs.