Parenting by the Book
STUDY 157
Text: Proverbs 16
27 June 2004
Dear Parents,
MORE ABOUT RIGHTEOUSNESS
We have a number of items that may be directly linked with the cultivation of a life of personal righteousness.
RIGHTEOUSNESS IS SOMETHING YOU MUST PLAN TO DO
This is the challenging thought we must consider as we look at the following text.
A man’s heart plans his way,
But the LORD directs his steps.Proverbs 16:9
1. It is most natural to plan
It is actually inherent in man to plan his life. The more the person plans, the more he would be able to order his life.
2. It is wise that we plan to factor in a life of righteousness
If we are going to plan our lives, then we would be well advised to include “righteousness” as part of our plans.
3. The Lord’s part in our planning
When we plan our lives to include righteousness, we can be sure that He would be there to direct our paths. If we do not plan to include righteousness, the Lord would still be there to direct our paths… but with correction in mind.
RIGHTEOUSNESS AND THE KING
Is the king above the law of righteousness? Certainly not! How then should the king order his own life?
Divination is on the lips of the king;
His mouth must not transgress in judgment.Proverbs 16:10
1. Divination
This is not a reference to the occult in any way. The king is supposed to be able to discern clearly between good and evil. His judgments were meant to be like the oracles of God.
2. Great care to be taken when delivering judgment
The king must take the greatest care when he delivers his judgment on the cases that are brought to his attention. He must be so guided by righteousness that he will not transgress in judgment. How easy it is for a person in authority to become corrupt. The king must take special care that he will not end up as a corrupt person.
Personal righteousness and integrity will go a long way to overcoming temptation to transgress!
Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie