Essential Markers
Today's Verse:
The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them. ~Proverbs 12:26
Whenever I drive or travel somewhere, I rely on certain markers to remember a location. It might be a corner gas station, a certain sign board, a shopping center, or maybe even a large business. Kaiser Hospital constructed a large hospital complex in San Leandro, which is down the street from our church. I use this as a marker to help people locate our church. Markers are important identifiers. This morning, I would like us to see some key markers of a righteous man. God desires that every saved man and woman have these identifiers as markers in their life.
The mark of his intelligence.
“The thoughts of the righteous are right; but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.” A righteous man has thoughts that are consecrated, constructive, and considerate. He thinks good things, godly things, and great things. He refuses to think on the negative or on things that are destructive. He is a builder and not a breaker. He is a healer and not a hurtful person. He carefully guards what goes into his mind. He is a reader and attune to the trends around him. He makes the highlight of his day the meditation of God’s Word. In v. 8 it says, “A man shall be commended according to his wisdom.” A righteous man is a wise man.
The mark of his integrity.
“He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness.” There are no false balances or unjust weights in his dealings. He is a man above reproach in all of his dealings. He does not seek self glory. He does not follow after the counsel or influence of people who do not have a biblical philosophy. "He that followeth vain persons is void of understanding." He keeps his contractual agreements. He seeks to settle disputes amicably. He pays all of his debts and obligations on time. In short, he is honest and truthful.
The mark of his industry.
He is the diligent man that Proverbs 12 speaks of. He works hard. He plans his work carefully. His hard work elevates him to a place of leadership. His diligence is a positive example to others who watch him. His yield is excellent. His product demonstrates God’s blessing upon hard work. He is not afraid to perspire when he works. He is not averse to working late at night to accomplish his projects. He meets his deadlines. He exceeds the expectations of his colleagues and of those whom he is accountable to. He is a model of the industrious worker.
The mark of his insulation.
“The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand... There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.” This man is insulated from instability, evil, and upheaval. God overshadows this man’s life, family, household, and dwelling. He understands that his actions can have an adverse impact on those in his household. He lives his life so that the protective hedge of God is in and around him.
The mark of his increase.
“He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread.” “The root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.” “The hand of the diligent shall bear rule.” “The substance of a diligent man is precious.” This man is fruitful, productive, and abounding. When you entrust people and projects to a righteous man, there is a great rate of return on his efforts. This kind of man brings value to the church, to his employer, to his friends, and to his family. He is rooted solidly in Christ and brings forth his fruit in his season. “His leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doth shall prosper.”
Do you bear any of these markers? Spend time with the Lord this morning, and ask Him to show you what markers need to be more evident in your life and what you must do to develop them. In the way of the righteous is life.
Have a righteous God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Genesis 43-45