to receive instruction in wise dealing,

    in righteousness, justice, and equity;

Proverbs 1:3 ESV

One of the goals of Proverbs is for the reader to receive instruction in a) wise dealing, b) in righteousness, c) in justice, and d) in equity. Here, Solomon indicates the importance of certain values. Below, we will look at righteousness.

Because true wisdom is connected to God, righteousness is an essential consideration. In the context of Proverbs, the writer repeatedly encourages the reader to pursue the path of wisdom, the destination of which is righteousness. For true wisdom is not business acumen or good people skills or seemingly having the right answer to every tough question, it is rightly understanding and responding to God, which is reflected in how we respond to situations and other people.

As one reads Proverbs, it is critical to keep righteousness in mind.

There are those who curse their fathers
and do not bless their mothers.

Proverbs 30:11 ESV

In the next four verses, Agur, provides a series of “There are” statements describing one who has not acquired true knowledge, a fool.

A fool is one who curses his father and does not bless his mother. Here, curse, could be both active and/or passive. A fool is one who says horrible things about his parents. He’s the one who does not speak honorably about his parents. This may be, for example, humiliating them by highlighting their faults publicly or harshly to their faces.

I’m embarrassed to say that this verse described me when I was in 8th grade. My grandfather purchased me a membership at the local golf course and because I knew I wouldn’t use it very much, I told him “That was really stupid.” It still haunts me to remember the tears that came to his eyes. He had done something generous for me, and my response was to curse him rather than thank him.

A fool is one who curses his parents passively by not acquiring wisdom. A wise son brings honor to his parents; a foolish son brings shame to his parents. How many times have I heard a parent say to their child, “I’ve raised you better than this.” By that they mean, their efforts to guide their child toward righteousness has, to some degree, failed, thus bringing shame upon the parents. Thus the child’s actions are cursing the parents.

Are you cursing your parents? If so, how can you change that to be a blessing to them?

When the righteous increase, the people rejoice,

    but when the wicked rule, the people groan.

Proverbs 29:2 ESV

This verse notes the general blessing that results from righteousness. That is to say, even the unbelievers receive benefit from an environment of righteousness. Conversely, all people, believers and unbelievers alike, suffer when the wicked rule.

If that is the case, what is the responsibility of Christians to influence the society toward righteousness? For example, should Christians participate in political office? Should they seek, for the betterment of all citizens, to become city managers, mayors, and the like? To what degree can a Christian city manager or mayor influence the city toward righteousness in a secular government?

Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming,

    but who can stand before jealousy?

Proverbs 27:4 ESV

This proverb can perplex us because so often we consider jealousy to be bad (or at least not a good thing). Yet, how often would we stand it in opposition to wrath and anger. So often, jealousy is thought of as silly and petulant. At times we think it can be obsessive, but on par with or more significant than wrath or anger? Hardly.

This proverb should be read slowly and diligently, letting the words sink in for greatest impact. Then, a good look in the mirror to evaluate ourselves.

Do not speak in the hearing of a fool,

    for he will despise the good sense of your words.

Proverbs 23:9 ESV

This verse speaks to the futility of reasoning with a fool. One of the hallmarks of a fool is his unwillingness to listen to wisdom or correction (Prov 13:1). Therefore, don’t be surprised if he becomes angry if you do share wisdom with him (Proverbs 9:8).

Here’s a take home test: How do you respond when corrected by another?