Righteousness

“The name of the righteous is used in blessings, but the name of the wicked will rot.” – Proverbs 10:7 NIV

“No one can be established through wickedness, but the righteous cannot be uprooted.” – Proverbs 12:3 NIV

“When the righteous triumph, there is great elation; but when the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding.” – Proverbs 28:12 NIV

The Christian definition of righteousness is the divine standard God has established for mankind’s actions and attitudes to be acceptable to him.  We are unable to be righteousness in and of ourselves. Since perfect righteousness on our part is required to receive God’s promises, Jesus lived a perfectly sinless life and died on the cross for the payment of our sins. As a result God could bestow on those who trust Christ through faith his own righteousness as a gift of Grace.  And this is how we can claim the promises mentioned in these three verses about righteousness.

Hating what is false

“The righteous hate what is false, but the wicked make themselves a stench and bring shame on themselves.” – Proverbs 13:5 NIV

Living right is like posting a guard for your life.  Every choice for good sets into motion other opportunities for good. Evil choices follow the same pattern, but in the opposite direction.  When you chose not to spread a lie You will reap the good fruits that come from it.

Committing work to the Lord

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” – Proverbs 16:3 NIV

When you commit your work to the lord you must keep a delicate balance between trusting God like it all depends on Him while working as if everything depends on us. Also, If you truly commit your activities to the Lord, it means your will is in submission to his.  When this happens you are inviting His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Using words with restraint

“The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues. – Proverbs 17:27-28 NIV

This proverb has several benefits with regards to being successful in Gods eyes. 

1. It is a guard for you using your words when you have something worthwhile to say.
2. It allows you the opportunity to listen and learn.
3. It gives you something in common with those who are wiser. They listen more than they talk.

There is a time when we must speak, but the one who opens his mouth too much is likely to stick his foot in it.

Loving wisdom and understanding

“The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.” – Proverbs 19:8 NIV

This proverb encourages those who really care about themselves to seek wisdom. And when you have a good understanding of anything, you will prosper.  We can see this play out in the world today.  Those people who have wisdom and a good understanding about anything are seen as an expert. They are highly sought after and well compensated for what they know.

Humility and fear of the Lord

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. – Proverbs 9:10

Wisdom is the ability to understand from a divine perspective and apply it to life.  If you’re going to become wise, you have to get to know God through his Word and take him seriously. God can give insights into living because He created it.  To know God is not just to know the facts about him, but to stand in awe of him and have a relationship with him.

Confess and forsake sin

Blessed is the one who always trembles before God, but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble. – Proverbs 28:14 NIV

James 5:16 says to confess your sins and you will be healed.  If you harden your heart and don’t confess, then you are like Pharaoh and fall into trouble.  To fear means to revere and honor the Lord.