Lesson 5 for January 31, 2015

“Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, but

righteousness delivers from death.” (Proverbs 10:2)

Because the only worthy treasure is the eternal life. That could never be bought with god or money (Mat. 16: 26).

What kind of righteousness can free us from death?

Moral goodness. It cares about avoiding sin and it also treats others fairly by acting kindly and helping whenever necessary (see Mat. 25: 40-46).

Thoughts, words and acts are involved. Therefore integrity is shown in every facet of the righteous’ life.

This section of Proverbs explains the difference between the life of the righteous and the life of the wicked; the wise and the foolish. For example, see verse 2:

Why do the treasures of wickedness profit nothing?

“Those who travel in the narrow way are talking of the happiness they will have at the end of the journey.... They do not dress like the company in the broad road, nor talk like them, nor act like them. A pattern has been given them. A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief opened that road for them and traveled it Himself. His followers see His footprints and are comforted and cheered. He went through safely; so can they, if they follow in His steps.

In the broad road all are occupied with their persons, their dress, and the pleasures in the way. They indulge freely in mirth and revelry, and think not of their journey’s end, of the certain ruin at the termination of the path. Every day they approach nearer their destruction, yet they madly rush on faster and faster…

Those who are willing to make any and every sacrifice for eternal life will have it, and it will be worth suffering for, worth crucifying self for, and sacrificing every idol for.”

E.G.W. (That I may know Him, October 24)

How do the righteous and the foolish speak?

His mouth is a well of life (v. 11)

Covers all offenses with love (v. 12)

Wisdom is found on his lips (v. 13)

Violence covers his mouth (v. 11)

He stirs up strife (v. 12)

His mouth is near destruction (v. 14) NABAL

ABIGAIL

Words of wisdom, advice and edification come from the mouth of the righteous. They are like streams of fresh waters for those who listen to them and accept them. They bring new life and blessings. The righteous pass God’s words on, because God is the true source of living water (Psalm. 36: 9; Jer. 2: 13; John 4: 14; 7: 38).

Which is the hope of the righteous?

Which current and future

blessings do they receive?

(v. 3) “The integrity of the upright will guide them.” (v. 4) “Righteousness delivers from death.” (v. 5) “The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way aright.” (v. 6) “The righteousness of the upright will deliver them.” (v. 8) “The righteous is delivered from trouble.” (v. 9) “Through knowledge the righteous will be delivered.” (v. 10) “When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices.” (v. 17) “The merciful man does good for his own soul.” (v. 18) “He who sows righteousness will have a sure reward.” (v. 19) “Righteousness leads to life.” (v. 20) “The blameless in their ways are His delight.” (v. 21) “The posterity of the righteous will be delivered.” (v. 25) “The generous soul will be made rich.” (v. 28) “The righteous will flourish like foliage.” (v. 30) “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life.” (v. 31) “The righteous will be recompensed on the earth.”

The hope of the righteous encourages him to live correctly, humbly, honorably and compassionately.

“Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are His delight.” (Proverbs 12:22)

False words and acts destroy the deceived and harm the deceiver. That is abominable to God.

When the truth is uncovered, the lie becomes abominable to men too. The trustworthiness of the liar is knocked down. His words and acts are forever questionable since then.

In addition, those who don’t say or act honorably usually think that others also act in a deceitfully way. They are always on guard and fearing for being deceived. They cannot find peace.

“Everything that Christians do should be as transparent as the sunlight. Truth is of God; deception, in every one of its myriad forms, is of Satan.... It is not a light or an easy thing to speak the exact truth. We cannot speak the truth unless we know the truth, and how often preconceived opinions, mental bias, imperfect knowledge, errors of judgment, prevent a right understanding of matters with which we have to do! We cannot speak the truth unless our minds are continually guided by Him who is truth.”

E.G.W. (Reflecting Christ, February 26)

What’s the difference in the reward between

righteous and foolish?

THE RIGHTEOUS

“[He] shall eat well.” (v. 2)

“[His] light… rejoices.” (v. 9)

“He… will be rewarded.” (v. 13)

“He… will be honored.” (v. 18)

“To [him]… good shall be repaid.” (v. 21)

“[He] eats to the satisfying of his soul.” (v. 25)

THE WICKED

“[He] shall have destruction.” (v. 3)

“[His] lamp… will be put out.” (v. 9)

“[He] will be destroyed.” (v. 13)

“Poverty and shame will come to him.” (v. 18)

“Evil pursues sinners.” (v. 21)

“[His] stomach… shall be in want.” (v. 25)

“Human language is inadequate to describe the reward of the righteous. It will be known only to those who behold

it. No finite mind can comprehend the glory of the Paradise of God.”

E.G.W. (The Great Controversy, cp. 43, pg. 674)