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Jan 25, 2026 06:00am

The Value of Righteousness

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The Scripture is constantly holding up before us the value of a godly, righteous life. Like the pearl of great price, or the treasure hidden in the field, God reminds us constantly of the contrast between wicked unrighteousness and wise righteousness.

Our righteousness, or “rightness” is only gained through our relationship with Christ. He has made us righteous through His death and resurrection and the Spirit’s life in us. Without Him, no man would be made right before a perfectly righteous God. And no one could experience growing holiness and rightness with God and man, which is available to those who know Christ through quick and continual cooperation with Him who lives within us.

What does a growing righteousness provide? Why is it worth pursuing with all of our hearts?

SIX RESULTS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

Here is a sampling of the abundant harvest righteousness brings, found in Proverbs 12. The Proverbs help us see the value by showing it in contrast to unrighteousness.

No one can be made secure by wickedness, but the root of the righteous is immovable. (Prov. 12:3)

While others are unsteady and blow with the wind, a man who is walking rightly with God is unshakable, because his foundation is right. There is no need for movement or change. There is a stability to their lives.

The thoughts of the righteous are just, but the guidance from the wicked is deceitful. (Vs. 5)

The foundation of God and His throne is justice and righteousness (Psa. 97:2). This is who and what God inherently is. So those who walk with Him will discover this same justice. Those who listen and follow Him will live out this righteousness. They will be the right ones doing the right thing at the right place for the right purpose.

The wicked are overthrown and perish, but the house of the righteous will stand. (Vs. 7)

A wicked man is always inviting trouble and creating trouble, which brings great instability. But a righteous man builds a house, a home, a life, a ministry which lasts. It will stand.

The wicked desire what evil people have caught, but the root of the righteous is productive. (Vs. 12)

A lazy man just wants to live off others, but a righteous man works hard and faithfully. His life is productive. Like King David, he has productive hands and heart. Things are built and produced throughout his life … things that last blessing God, others, and his own house.

By rebellious speech an evil person is trapped, but a righteous person escapes from trouble. (Vs. 13)

A wicked man is deceptive and toys with the truth. He ensnares himself by the words of his own mouth. But a man who is right with God and man has nothing to fear for there is integrity in both word and deed. Although others may try to ensnare him, there is no substance to their accusations.

There is life in the path of righteousness, and in its path, there is no death. (Vs. 28)

All life is found in God. Jesus said He is the “way the truth and the life” (John 14:6). John said that “He who has the Son, has the life. And He who does not have the Son, does not have the life” (1 John 5:12).

As we trust in Christ for His righteousness to be imparted to us by grace, and for our personal righteousness to grow by aggressively cooperating with Him, we will experience more and more of the life of God. The Vine, Christ Himself, will express Himself through the branches (us) and will produce great fruit, great life. And he will have the great joy of experience the presence and pleasure of our Father and giving life to those around us.

Some things are just not worth pursuing in life. But righteousness yields a thousand rewards.