Proverbs 13 Righteous living
The light of the righteous shines brightly; but the lamp of the wicked
is snuffed out v9
A number of verses in this chapter
of Proverbs contrast the life of the righteous with that of the wicked (v 5, 6,
9, 25)
Righteousness is a rich term that
conveys the sense of being in right relationship. In the Old Testament
righteousness was used not only in the context of the relationship between God
and man (Psalm 50 v6) but also in the practical outworking of the relationship between people, promoting a
sense of peace and wellbeing. ‘If a man
is poor do not go to sleep with his pledge in your possession. Return his cloak
to him by sunset so that he may sleep in it. Then he will thank you , and it
will be regarded as a righteous act in the sight of the Lord your God’ Dt
24 13) In the New Testament as forgiven sinners we are made right with God ‘the
righteous one’ through Jesus death on the cross, which is again expressed in
the way we live together.
The picture of righteousness as a
light shining brightly is reflected in the Psalms ‘in the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun, which is like a
bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion... (Psalm 19 v5 ). It is interesting
to compare the lamp of the wicked
which is temporary and will be extinguished, with the true light of the righteous. Pr 4 v18 takes a similar theme the path of the righteous is like the first
gleam of dawn shining ever brighter til the full light of day.
Jesus said I am the light of the
world. As we come to Jesus the Light of the World let us ask him to help us
reflect his light in the way we live today.
Let your light so shine before men
that they may see your Father and praise your Father heaven. (Matt 5 v16).
(husband and wife)