Pursue
"Peace and friendship with all mankind is our wisest policy, and I wish we may be permitted to pursue it" (Thomas Jefferson).
The context of Proverbs 21:21-23 shows rewards for using Godly wisdom to do what is right. These three verses describe the benefits of wisdom and virtue. Let's focus on verse 21. It urges us to pursue righteousness and kindness with an energetic and urgent action. This is not a passive pursuit, but one that requires our full commitment and dedication (cf. Mt. 5:6). We are told of two things we should pursue and three results of that pursuit.
First, pursue righteousness. The Hebrew word used here means justice or honesty. It is the state of doing what is required according to a standard. Righteousness is part of the purpose of the book, to instruct one in righteousness (1:3). This is an attribute of God, so the wise, guided by His wisdom, will pursue doing what is right according to His standard.
Second, pursue kindness. The word in the original language means goodness, kindness, and mercy. It's a broad word that describes how God treats us and shows how we should treat others. We ought to show the same mercy and kindness to others that the Lord has shown us!
Third, there are three results of pursuing these things. The first result is life, which is used in Proverbs literally (physical life) and metaphorically (true life lived for God). The second result is righteousness. This is the same word as before. He is saying that if you pursue righteousness, you will catch it! However, it must be pursued. You won't accidentally fall into a righteous life. The third and final result mentioned is honor. This word is used to describe glory and to describe riches. Certainly, our life is only of value when we use it to pursue godliness! These are the rewards that await those who earnestly pursue righteousness and kindness.
Verse 21 should not be read to mean that wisdom automatically makes you rich, although it does imply a measure of prosperity (primarily because the wise do not consume all they have). In context, the idea is that when we pursue a life of wisdom in our relationships with God and others, the real benefits we receive are the blessings He gives to those who pursue Him! I love you, and God does, too!
Corey Sawyers is the preaching minister for the Martin Church of Christ and an adjunct instructor for Bear Valley Bible Institute. He is Melody's husband and Daddy to Garrett (and Bailey), Gordon (and Lauren), and Gannon. Go Big Orange! Tennessee Football and Basketball are both in season!
