PROVERBS 21 - Doing What is Right

This chapter gives a number of contrasts between righteousness and evil, between what God wants and what man often wants. Verse 2 says, "All a man's ways seem right to him, but the Lord weighs the heart." As men we can justify most anything; we always have a reason for doing something even if it hurts someone else. But God looks at our motives - our heart - the real reason we are doing something. Is it to please God or ourselves?

Verse 3 continues with, "To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice." We cannot bribe God. We cannot handle our business and daily activities in an unrighteous manner and then make a offering on Sunday to try to satisfy God. He does not want our money; He wants our hearts - our very being.

Verse 16 says, "A man who strays from the path of understanding comes to rest in the company of the dead." Remember Proverbs 9:10 defined "understanding" as "the knowledge of the Holy One". A very clear choice of seeking understanding or turning our backs on God. Notice that it is a path not a road. It is a not well traveled - few find the path and walk it.

But there is a promise. Verse 21 says, "He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor." Wow! To pursue is to strive for something. To make sacrifices; to have as a goal; to work hard at achieving. May the pursuit of righteousness and love become a priority in our lives, and may our motives (our heart) be to please God.