A Righteous Life

Tradition and Wisdom
Teaching and Learning:
Teaching Values

Proverbs 14:27-34

The Message

 ²⁷ The Fear-of-God is a spring of living water
   so you won't go off drinking from poisoned wells.

 ²⁸ The mark of a good leader is loyal followers;
   leadership is nothing without a following.

 ²⁹ Slowness to anger makes for deep understanding;
   a quick-tempered person stockpiles stupidity.

 ³⁰ A sound mind makes for a robust body,
   but runaway emotions corrode the bones.

 ³¹ You insult your Maker when you exploit the powerless;
   when you're kind to the poor, you honor God.

 ³² The evil of bad people leaves them out in the cold;
   the integrity of good people creates a safe place for living.

 ³³ Lady Wisdom is at home in an understanding heart—
   fools never even get to say hello.

 ³⁴ God-devotion makes a country strong;
   God-avoidance leaves people weak.

For Reflection
Righteousness is not self-serving. What does righteousness mean to you?  How does righteousness describe your daily life?  What stops you from defensive knee jerk reactions? How do avoid the seduction of tempting alternatives to God-centered action?

Pray
for those that  exploit the powerless, that lack the will to be God-centered.  Pray for control of your anger and fear.  Pray that you become a sanctuary for others.  Pray that those who reside with you reside in the presence of the Holy Spirit.