We learn more everyday about how the righteous behave vs the wicked and how they act. Every decision we make in our life is impacted by how we follow God and live according to His standards. Some of these decisions include the way we talk, the way we use money, whether we are honest, or prideful, how we work, how we teach our children and treat our family and how we prioritize and worship God. Will we live righteously or not? Let’s look at Proverbs 13 today.
The Family of the Righteous
I wrote below more about the family of the righteous as correction and teaching is such a huge part of having a family that is godly and functional. We treat each other according to the values we have.
Verse 22 A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children,
but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.
Verse 24 Whoever spares the rod hates their children,
but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.
The Righteous Way Of Correcting
One part of raising children is showing them love, protection and security. The other part of raising children is teaching and correcting them. We do have to discipline them and correct them in order to have a functional family and teach them to be functional in our world. I find it very unfortunate that the current generation does not correct their children the way they ought to.
They even have a problem with others who correct them. Parents upset at teachers is one example. Another example is when their kids start their own jobs. There are parents who will even “call in” for their kids so that their kids can go have fun instead of making them take responsibility for themselves. I find this to be a real shame. By parents taking responsibility that their kids need to learn, they are not teaching them how to work their jobs, care for their family, get an education and just even living peacefully in society. Failing to correct, instruct and discipline is not living a righteous life. When we do teach our kids and correct/discipline them, we are raising our children righteously. Our family can then exist functionally.
Later in life, beyond childhood, people will be disciplined or corrected in places such as their job or in society. People need to listen to instruction, from an early age or later they WILL have further problems in life. Respect is an important part of doing what is right and moral and listening when corrected.
Verses For Accepting Correction and Discipline
Verse 1 A wise son heeds his father’s instruction,
but a mocker does not respond to rebukes.
Verse 13 Whoever scorns instruction will pay for it,
but whoever respects a command is rewarded.
Verse 14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,
turning a person from the snares of death.
Verse 18 Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame,
but whoever heeds correction is honored.
Verse 19 A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul,
but fools detest turning from evil.
Verse 24 Whoever spares the rod hates their children,
but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.
The Work Ethic of the Righteous
Verse 4 A sluggard’s appetite is never filled,but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.
Verse 11 Dishonest money dwindles away,
but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.
Verse 25 The righteous eat to their hearts’ content,
but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry.
The Mouth of the Righteous
Verse 2 From the fruit of their lips people enjoy good things,
but the unfaithful have an appetite for violence.
Verse 3 Those who guard their lips preserve their lives,
but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.
The Life of the Righteous
The more I read Proverbs, the more I see the characteristics of the righteous and the rewards for living a righteous life. Living a wicked life does not benefit anyone in the long term. It may be “fun” for a season. Tomorrow we will read in Proverbs 14:12, that “There is a way that appears right, but in the end it leads to death.” In Hebrews 11:24, Moses chose to be with his people instead of enjoying the pleasures of sin for a season. The book of Proverbs has shown me so far how much righteousness and wisdom connect. I enjoy reading Proverbs for the wisdom I read, but I have gained a new appreciation for learning more about righteousness as well.
Verse 6 Righteousness guards the person of integrity,
but wickedness overthrows the sinner.
Verse 9 The light of the righteous shines brightly,
but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.
Verse 12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.
Verse 19 A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul,
but fools detest turning from evil.
Verse 20 Walk with the wise and become wise,
for a companion of fools suffers harm.
Verse 21 Trouble pursues the sinner,
but the righteous are rewarded with good things.
So many great verses. Yes, carry on!
💜 Goddess, that is ALL; very good, carry on
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