“Righteousness (being in right standing with God) guards the one whose way is blameless, But wickedness undermines and overthrows the sinner.”

Proverbs 13:6 AMP

Today we are reminded that the way of righteousness is the safest path! Notice that in this verse walking in righteousness isn’t about scoring points for being good. The writer here connects the action of living a righteous life with protection from the powers of sin! This verse can be tricky for sure as we see the word “blameless.” Well. We know that it is impossible for us to be blameless because sin is still at work in us! In Jon’s first Epistle we read,

“If we say we have no sin [refusing to admit that we are sinners], we delude ourselves and the truth is not in us. [His word does not live in our hearts.

“If we say we have no sin [refusing to admit that we are sinners], we delude ourselves and the truth is not in us. [His word does not live in our hearts.]”

1 John 1:8 AMP

The word blameless here in the Hebrew means to “be in a state of innocence;” “to be in a state or condition of moral goodness in a life, with a focus on not having guilt or sin.” “to have a clear conscience.” Notice that it doesn’t say “walking in total sinlessness!” I love the word “focus” in the definition. Since we have gone to the cross the focus of our lives isn’t on sin anymore but on righteousness! Because of the imputed righteousness of Christ, I can walk with a clean conscience. The Apostle Paul put it this way,

“Therefore there is now no condemnation [no guilty verdict, no punishment] for those who are in Christ Jesus [who believe in Him as personal Lord and Savior].”

Romans 8:1 AMP

Paul gave the believers in Philippi some very good advice,

“So then, my dear ones, just as you have always obeyed [my instructions with enthusiasm], not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation [that is, cultivate it, bring it to full effect, actively pursue spiritual maturity] with awe-inspired fear and trembling [using serious caution and critical self-evaluation to avoid anything that might offend God or discredit the name of Christ].”

Philippians 2:12 AMP

Many confuse this verse and take it to mean that we are not forgiven and must continue to do “good things” to offset our “bad things.” Nothing could be further from the truth! Paul was saying that sine we are now heirs of salvation we should do everything we can to live it out! Look at the words he uses, cultivate, bring out, actively and pursue. He goes on to say that the believer should use caution and critical self-evaluation avoiding anything that might be an offense to God! The Proverbs isn’t about pleasing God with our actions, it is about being safe from the effects of sin!

In a cursive review of Job’s life, Eliphaz identifies an interesting point about Job’s life,

““Is not your fear of God your confidence, And [is not] the integrity and uprightness of your ways your hope?”

Job 4:6 AMP

It should be understood that we will fight the battle against sin as long as we are in this body. The sin nature is real and powerful and must be confronted daily. The good news is that we now have the power to pursue righteousness and defeat the power of sin with the help of the indwelling Holy Spirit. If, while fighting the battle we fall, the Scripture is clear,

“It is because of the LORD’S lovingkindnesses that we are not consumed, 

Because His [tender] compassions never fail. 23They are new every morning; Great and beyond measure is Your faithfulness. 24“The LORD is my portion and my inheritance,” says my soul;”

Lamentations 3:22-24 AMP

Allow the King of the universe guard and guide your way and you too will see the salvation of our God! Have a blessed day, Pastor Ken