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Psalm 11:7 – For the Lord is righteous, he loves justice; the upright man will see his face.
Proverbs 11:3 – The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.
Proverbs 11:10-11 – When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices; when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy. Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed.
Proverbs 11:30 – The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.
God promises blessing to the upright (righteous) man; he will see God’s face. The integrity of the upright man guides him through this life. When the upright man prospers, the whole city rejoices for it knows his success is good for everyone. The fruit of the upright man is a tree of life. Such good news accompanies the upright man because, as such, he reflects the righteousness of his Lord and honors him in the process.
Any promise of blessing that God makes to those who live upright lives is purely due to his own gracious character. He doesn’t owe us a reward for doing what we ought to do. Yet he does promise to lavish blessing upon us when we do. More than that, it’s only by God’s power and guidance we’re even able to move in a righteous direction in the first place. Only the redeemed of the Lord may have confidence that God's Spirit is doing such a work in their hearts, minds, and souls.
Yet, we have the responsibility to keep in step with the Spirit… to participate with God (never without him) in this grand pursuit. Thus, the godly man will daily seek God’s grace, strength and wisdom for the faithful and upright living of each day.
- How are you doing with this?
- Is this the desire of your heart?
Maybe it’s not, but perhaps you are beginning to realize it ought to be. Wherever you are, I want to help you move forward in your pursuit of godly manhood. Please reach out and let me know how I may direct or encourage you.
Rise up, O man of God and live the righteous life for which you were created, redeemed, and called. Amen.