RIGHTEOUS & WICKED (2)

(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. How they are seen by others

#1) Righteous: "Are appreciated"

a) Wicked

i) Do not endure (Proverbs 13:15)

ii) Lead others into sin (Proverbs 16:29)

b) Text reference: Proverbs 13:15; 16:29 

i) ¹⁵ Good understanding gains favor, But the way of the unfaithful is hard. (Proverbs 13:15 NKJV)

ii) ²⁹ A violent man entices his neighbor, And leads him in a way that is not good. (Proverbs 16:29 NKJV)

#2) Righteous: "Conduct is right"

a) Wicked

i) Conduct is perverse (Proverbs 21:8)

b) Text reference: Proverbs 21:8

i) ⁸ The way of a guilty man is perverse; But as for the pure, his work is right. (Proverbs 21:8 NKJV)

#3) Righteous: "Are not to desire the company of godless people"

a) Wicked

i) Plot violence (Proverbs 24:1-2) 

b) Text reference: Proverbs 24:1-2

i) Do not be envious of evil men, Nor desire to be with them; ² For their heart devises violence, And their lips talk of troublemaking. (Proverbs 24;1-2 NKJV)

#4) Righteous: "Others are glad when they triumph"

a) Wicked

i) Others hide when they rise to pwoer (Proverbs 28:12)

b) Text reference: Proverbs 28:12

i) ¹² When the righteous rejoice, there is great glory; But when the wicked arise, men hide themselves. (Proverbs 28:12 NKJV)

#5) Righteous: "Care for the poor"

a) Wicked

i) Unconcerned about the poor (Proverbs 29:7)

b) Text reference: Proverbs 29:7

i) ⁷ The righteous considers the cause of the poor, But the wicked does not understand such knowledge. (Proverbs 29:7 NKJV)

#6) Righteous: "Detest the unjust"

a) Wicked

i) Detest the upright (Proverbs 29:27)

b) Text reference: Proverbs 29:27

i) ²⁷ An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, And he who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked. (Proverbs 29:27 NKJV)

The End ...