How Do I Become Righteous? (Proverbs 11)

A Few Thoughts to Consider

Do you consider yourself a righteous person?

This word “righteous” almost feels awkward, as if it’s a name we shouldn’t associate with ourselves. However, Proverbs 11 underscores the principle that living a righteous and virtuous life leads to blessings and prosperity, while pursuing wickedness and deceit ultimately leads to ruin and destruction.

The call to righteousness can seem countercultural and challenging in a world where moral relativism often prevails. However, Proverbs reminds us that the path of righteousness is not only pleasing to God but also brings forth abundant blessings. Notice this contrast between the righteous and the wicked:

⁴ Wealth is not profitable on a day of wrath,
but righteousness rescues from death.

⁵ The righteousness of the blameless clears his path,
but the wicked person will fall because of his wickedness.

⁶ The righteousness of the upright rescues them,
but the treacherous are trapped by their own desires.

⁷ When the wicked person dies,
his expectation comes to nothing,
and hope placed in wealth vanishes.

⁸ The righteous one is rescued from trouble;
in his place, the wicked one goes in.

Then, verse 30 says, “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, but a cunning person takes lives.” The imagery of the tree of life is significant. Just as a tree provides shelter, sustenance, and shade to those around it, so too does the righteous life bring blessings to others. Our words of encouragement, acts of kindness, and expressions of love have the power to uplift and inspire those in need. In the words of Duane Garrett, “As the seed of one fruit can give rise to a tree and thus much more fruit, so also the beneficial repercussions of a righteous life are far reaching.”^[1]

Allen P. Ross says, “Both ‘fruit’ and ‘tree of life’ are metaphorical, the first image signifying what the righteous produce and the second identifying that as a healthy, long life.”^[2] As Duane Garrett says, “This section teaches that life and health for both individual and family is obtained by virtue and submission to God. Violent or selfish activity is sure to be punished, however, and even wealth affords no security.”^[3]

A Meditation to PRAY

Praise | I praise you for your wisdom that illuminates the path of righteousness. Your words remind me of the beauty of living a life anchored in integrity and humility. Thank you for guiding me away from pride and towards a heart of compassion. 

Release | I release to you my tendencies toward selfishness and deceit. Where I have sown seeds of discord or acted unjustly, I ask for your forgiveness. Help me to let go of pride and embrace the humility that comes from understanding your sovereignty and love. 

Ask | I ask for wisdom to discern the right path. Give me the strength to live righteously, to be generous in spirit, and to treat others with kindness. May your guidance lead me.

 Yield | I yield to your will, seeking to honor you daily. Teach me to value what is truly important and reflect your love and righteousness in all I do. I am open to your transformation, ready to shine your light and love to those around me.

A Challenge to Act Like Christ  

So, how do we become righteous? For centuries, theologians have debated the differences between imputed and imparted righteousness. Imputed righteousness refers to the righteousness credited to believers through faith in Jesus Christ, covering them legally before God. Imparted righteousness, however, involves the ongoing process of transformation within believers’ lives as they become increasingly conformed to the character of Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit.Top of FormBottom of Form