RIGHTEOUS & WICKED (1)

(Message by Tanny Keng)

0. Introduction

a) Proverbs often compares the life-styles of the wicked and the righteous, and makes a strong case for living by God's pattern. The advantages of righteous living and the disadvantages of wicked living are pointed out. The kind of person we decide to be will affect every area of our lives.

1. Outlook on life

#1) Righteous: "Hopeful"

a) Wicked

i) Fearful (Proverbs 10:24)

b) Text reference: Proverbs 10:24

i) ²⁴ The fear of the wicked will come upon him,And the desire of the righteous will be granted. (Proverbs 10:24)

#2) Righteous: "Concerned about the welfare of God's creation"

a) Wicked

i) Evern their kindness is cruel (Proverbs 12:10)

b) Text reference: Proverbs 12:10

i)  ¹⁰ A righteous man regards the life of his animal, But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. (Proverbs 12:10 NKJV)

#3) Righteous: "Understand justice"

a) Wicked

i) Don't understand justice (Proverbs 28:5)

b) Text reference: Proverbs 28:5

i) ⁵ Evil men do not understand justice, But those who seek the Lord understand all. (Proverbs 28:5 NKJV)

2. Response to life

#1) Righteous: "Covered with blessings"

a) Wicked

i) Covered with violence (Proverbs 10:6)

ii) Bent on evil (Proverbs 16:30)

b) Text reference: Proverbs 10:6; 16:30

i) ⁶ Blessings are on the head of the righteous, But violence covers the mouth of the wicked. (Proverbs 10:6 NKJV)

ii) ³⁰ He winks his eye to devise perverse things; He purses his lips and brings about evil. (Proverbs 16:30 NKJV)

#2) Righteous: "Give thought to their ways"

a) Wicked

i) Put up a bold front (Proverbs 21:29) 

b) Text reference: Proverbs 21:29

i) ²⁹ A wicked man hardens his face, But as for the upright, he establishes his way. (Proverbs 21:29 NKJV)

#3) Righteous: "Persevere against evil"

a) Wicked

i) Brought down by calamity (Proverbs 24:15-16)

ii) Hate those with integrity (Proverbs 29:10) 

b) Text reference: Proverbs 24:15-16; 29:10

i) ¹⁵ Do not lie in wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; Do not plunder his resting place; ¹⁶ For a righteous man may fall seven times And rise again, But the wicked shall fall by calamity. (Proverbs 24:15-16 NKJV)

ii) ¹⁰ The bloodthirsty hate the blameless, But the upright seek his well-being. (Proverbs 29:10 NKJV)

The End ...