This week, let’s consider a passage from Proverbs. “He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness and honour.” (Proverbs 21:21 KJV)
The unsaved person needs to seek to be made righteous by God’s righteousness. “But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested …” (Romans 3:21) God’s righteousness is manifested in the gospel. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation … For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith …” (Romans 1:16-17) In one of Jesus’ beatitudes, He assures the one who seeks to be made righteous that he can obtain it. “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” (Matthew 5:6)
The book of Proverbs encourages people to live better and to avoid wickedness by following God’s statutes. Those people, who follow what God has determined is righteous, are considered godly. Those who pursue wickedness are ungodly. Which are you following in your life? The life you are living reflects what you are pursuing in life. “The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.” (Proverbs 15:9) If God loves those who follow righteousness, why don’t more people follow after what is right? Why do so many Americans today desire to pursue wickedness?
“The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favor in his eyes.” (Proverbs 21:10) So, many do not desire to do what’s right. They don’t want anyone condemning their ungodly behavior or telling them that they should change their way of living.
Also in Proverbs 21:21, we are encouraged to follow “mercy”. The King James Version of the Bible uses the word “mercy”. A righteous person is not to be haughty nor a “goody two shoes.” Instead, a person who loves what is right, will also love mercy, since they know they will need the mercy of God and of men. We all sin. (Romans 3:23) We all hurt our fellow man at times. (Romans 13:9-10) Therefore, we are willing to be merciful to others. “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” (Matthew 5:7) “For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy …” (James 2:13)
Other translations of Proverbs 21:21 expand our understanding of this proverb. The English Standard Version says, “Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness and honor.” “Kindness” is something lacking in America’s populace today. People could be kinder to others if they desired to do what God teaches. “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another …” (Colossians 3:12-13) If you don’t move your car fast enough, you may hear someone’s horn sound with impatience, rudeness, and hatred. Worse things on our streets are drugs, rapists, and murderers of babies, little children, mothers, and fathers. Are you pursuing kindness?
The New American Standard Bible reads, “He who pursues righteousness and loyalty finds life, righteousness and honor.” (Proverbs 21:21) “Loyalty” or “fidelity” also needs to be pursued by men. If people were loyal to God, their practice of righteousness on a daily basis would be so much more consistent and persistent. “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)
Those who pursue righteousness and mercy are blessed tremendously by God to enjoy His blessings of life, right-standing with Him and honor! (Proverbs 21:21)