Crossroads Church - Plymouth, IN
Proverbs - God's Wisdom on Right Living
Worship Gathering
Locations & Times
Crossroads Church
1650 N Oak Dr, Plymouth, IN 46563, USA
Sunday 7:00 AM
Connection Card
Please take a moment and fill out this simple Connection Card. Thank you!
https://bit.ly/2ynQrGvOnline Giving
We believe everything we have comes from God. As a steward, not an owner, it is an act of worship to be generous and give. Thank you for considering a gift to Crossroads.
https://crossroads-efc.ccbchurch.com/goto/givingBulletin
Stay up-to-date with things happening at Crossroads and how you can get connected.
https://www.crossroadsefc.com/digital-bulletinPrayer and Praise
Romans 12:15 says, "Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep." Take a moment to let us know how we can rejoice with you or bring a need before God with you.
https://crossroads-efc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/203/responses/newWhat is right?
Genesis 3:5 (ESV) - For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
2 Timothy 3:1–5 (ESV) - But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.
Genesis 3:5 (ESV) - For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
2 Timothy 3:1–5 (ESV) - But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.
The word righteous in both Hebrew and Greek = “The quality, state and characteristic of being in the right” (Lexham Bible Dictionary)
“Being in the right” according to who or what?
“Being in the right” according to who or what?
The source of righteousness (what is right) is God Himself!
Our righteousness falls short…
Isaiah 64:6 (ESV) - We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.
Our righteousness falls short…
Isaiah 64:6 (ESV) - We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.
The Wisdom of Righteousness
Proverbs 1:3 (ESV) - to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity;
Proverbs 8:1–8 (ESV) - Does not wisdom call? Does not understanding raise her voice? 2On the heights beside the way, at the crossroads she takes her stand; 3beside the gates in front of the town, at the entrance of the portals she cries aloud: 4“To you, O men, I call, and my cry is to the children of man. 5O simple ones, learn prudence; O fools, learn sense. 6Hear, for I will speak noble things, and from my lips will come what is right, 7for my mouth will utter truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips. 8All the words of my mouth are righteous; there is nothing twisted or crooked in them.
Proverbs 3:33 (ESV) - The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the dwelling of the righteous.
Proverbs 4:16–18 (ESV) - For they cannot sleep unless they have done wrong; they are robbed of sleep unless they have made someone stumble. 17For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence. 18But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day.
Proverbs 1:3 (ESV) - to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity;
Proverbs 8:1–8 (ESV) - Does not wisdom call? Does not understanding raise her voice? 2On the heights beside the way, at the crossroads she takes her stand; 3beside the gates in front of the town, at the entrance of the portals she cries aloud: 4“To you, O men, I call, and my cry is to the children of man. 5O simple ones, learn prudence; O fools, learn sense. 6Hear, for I will speak noble things, and from my lips will come what is right, 7for my mouth will utter truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips. 8All the words of my mouth are righteous; there is nothing twisted or crooked in them.
Proverbs 3:33 (ESV) - The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the dwelling of the righteous.
Proverbs 4:16–18 (ESV) - For they cannot sleep unless they have done wrong; they are robbed of sleep unless they have made someone stumble. 17For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence. 18But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day.
Why pursue what is righteous?
The righteous receive blessing from God
1. Personally
Proverbs 10:3 (ESV) - The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.
Proverbs 10:6 (ESV) - Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
2. Others
Proverbs 10:7 (ESV) - The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.
Proverbs 10:11 (ESV) - The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
Proverbs 10:20–21 (ESV)
20The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the heart of the wicked is of little worth. 21The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of sense.
Proverbs 12:26 (ESV) - One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
Proverbs 28:28 (ESV) - When the wicked rise, people hide themselves, but when they perish, the righteous increase.
Proverbs 29:2 (ESV) - When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
Proverbs 29:7 (ESV) - A righteous man knows the rights of the poor; a wicked man does not understand such knowledge.
3. Even pets!
Proverbs 12:10 (NIV) - The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.
Proverbs 12:10 (ESV) - Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.
The righteous receive blessing from God
1. Personally
Proverbs 10:3 (ESV) - The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.
Proverbs 10:6 (ESV) - Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
2. Others
Proverbs 10:7 (ESV) - The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.
Proverbs 10:11 (ESV) - The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
Proverbs 10:20–21 (ESV)
20The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the heart of the wicked is of little worth. 21The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of sense.
Proverbs 12:26 (ESV) - One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
Proverbs 28:28 (ESV) - When the wicked rise, people hide themselves, but when they perish, the righteous increase.
Proverbs 29:2 (ESV) - When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
Proverbs 29:7 (ESV) - A righteous man knows the rights of the poor; a wicked man does not understand such knowledge.
3. Even pets!
Proverbs 12:10 (NIV) - The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.
Proverbs 12:10 (ESV) - Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.
The Way of the Righteous
Proverbs 18:10 (ESV) - The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.
1. Speech
Proverbs 10:31–32 (ESV) - The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut off. 32The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked, what is perverse.
Proverbs 15:28 (ESV) - The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.
2. Money/Contentment
Proverbs 11:28 (ESV) - Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf.
Proverbs 13:25 (ESV) - The righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite, but the belly of the wicked suffers want.
Proverbs 12:28 (ESV) - In the path of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death.
Proverbs 21:26 (ESV) - All day long he craves and craves, but the righteous gives and does not hold back.
3. Truth/Integrity
Proverbs 11:18 (ESV) - The wicked earns deceptive wages, but one who sows righteousness gets a sure reward.
Proverbs 13:5 (ESV) - The righteous hates falsehood, but the wicked brings shame and disgrace.
Proverbs 20:7 (ESV) - The righteous who walks in his integrity— blessed are his children after him!
4. Steadfast
Proverbs 11:19 (ESV) - Whoever is steadfast in righteousness will live, but he who pursues evil will die.
Proverbs 25:26 (ESV) - Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.
5. Peace
Proverbs 29:6 (ESV) - An evil man is ensnared in his transgression, but a righteous man sings and rejoices.
6. At odds with the world
Proverbs 29:27 (ESV) - An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, but one whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked.
Proverbs 18:10 (ESV) - The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.
1. Speech
Proverbs 10:31–32 (ESV) - The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut off. 32The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked, what is perverse.
Proverbs 15:28 (ESV) - The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.
2. Money/Contentment
Proverbs 11:28 (ESV) - Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf.
Proverbs 13:25 (ESV) - The righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite, but the belly of the wicked suffers want.
Proverbs 12:28 (ESV) - In the path of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death.
Proverbs 21:26 (ESV) - All day long he craves and craves, but the righteous gives and does not hold back.
3. Truth/Integrity
Proverbs 11:18 (ESV) - The wicked earns deceptive wages, but one who sows righteousness gets a sure reward.
Proverbs 13:5 (ESV) - The righteous hates falsehood, but the wicked brings shame and disgrace.
Proverbs 20:7 (ESV) - The righteous who walks in his integrity— blessed are his children after him!
4. Steadfast
Proverbs 11:19 (ESV) - Whoever is steadfast in righteousness will live, but he who pursues evil will die.
Proverbs 25:26 (ESV) - Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.
5. Peace
Proverbs 29:6 (ESV) - An evil man is ensnared in his transgression, but a righteous man sings and rejoices.
6. At odds with the world
Proverbs 29:27 (ESV) - An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, but one whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked.
The Hope of the Righteous
Proverbs 10:2 (ESV) - Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death.
Proverbs 11:4 (ESV) - Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.
Proverbs 10:24–30 (ESV) - What the wicked dreads will come upon him, but the desire of the righteous will be granted. 25When the tempest passes, the wicked is no more, but the righteous is established forever. 26Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to those who send him. 27The fear of the Lord prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be short. 28The hope of the righteous brings joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish. 29The way of the Lord is a stronghold to the blameless, but destruction to evildoers. 30The righteous will never be removed, but the wicked will not dwell in the land.
Proverbs 11:23 (ESV) - The desire of the righteous ends only in good, the expectation of the wicked in wrath.
Proverbs 10:16 (ESV) - The wage of the righteous leads to life, the gain of the wicked to sin.
Proverbs 12:28 (ESV) - In the path of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death.
Proverbs 14:32 (ESV) - The wicked is overthrown through his evildoing, but the righteous finds refuge in his death.
Proverbs 10:2 (ESV) - Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death.
Proverbs 11:4 (ESV) - Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.
Proverbs 10:24–30 (ESV) - What the wicked dreads will come upon him, but the desire of the righteous will be granted. 25When the tempest passes, the wicked is no more, but the righteous is established forever. 26Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to those who send him. 27The fear of the Lord prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be short. 28The hope of the righteous brings joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish. 29The way of the Lord is a stronghold to the blameless, but destruction to evildoers. 30The righteous will never be removed, but the wicked will not dwell in the land.
Proverbs 11:23 (ESV) - The desire of the righteous ends only in good, the expectation of the wicked in wrath.
Proverbs 10:16 (ESV) - The wage of the righteous leads to life, the gain of the wicked to sin.
Proverbs 12:28 (ESV) - In the path of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death.
Proverbs 14:32 (ESV) - The wicked is overthrown through his evildoing, but the righteous finds refuge in his death.
How do we become righteous or gain righteousness?
Proverbs 9:9 (ESV) - Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.
Matthew 5:6 (ESV) - “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Matthew 5:10 (ESV) - “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Romans 6:12–14 (ESV) - Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. 13Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. 14For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.
Proverbs 9:9 (ESV) - Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.
Matthew 5:6 (ESV) - “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Matthew 5:10 (ESV) - “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Romans 6:12–14 (ESV) - Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. 13Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. 14For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.
Discussion Questions
1. Where do right and wrong come from? What biblical support can you share with your answer?
2. Why do you suppose it is better to be righteous and poor than wicked and rich (16:8; 19:1; 28:6)?
3. Read Proverbs 11:8. From what you’ve seen of the world, does experience seem to support or refute the idea that the righteous are blessed and the wicked will suffer? Explain your answer.
4. One aspect shared about The Way of the Righteous is to live in truth and integrity. In regards to artificial intelligence, share the benefits of it and what are the challenges of AI for a Christ follower wanting to live in truth and integrity.
5. Read Proverbs 29:2, 7. Discuss the implications of each verse indicates the righteous should have on society.
6. From Romans 6:12-14 what does it mean to “present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.”
1. Where do right and wrong come from? What biblical support can you share with your answer?
2. Why do you suppose it is better to be righteous and poor than wicked and rich (16:8; 19:1; 28:6)?
3. Read Proverbs 11:8. From what you’ve seen of the world, does experience seem to support or refute the idea that the righteous are blessed and the wicked will suffer? Explain your answer.
4. One aspect shared about The Way of the Righteous is to live in truth and integrity. In regards to artificial intelligence, share the benefits of it and what are the challenges of AI for a Christ follower wanting to live in truth and integrity.
5. Read Proverbs 29:2, 7. Discuss the implications of each verse indicates the righteous should have on society.
6. From Romans 6:12-14 what does it mean to “present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.”