Biblical Wisdom in Action: Righteousness, Integrity, and Peace
- Jack Selcher
- Nov 1, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 29
Summary
Biblical wisdom is visible in righteous behavior, integrity, and peaceful living. Proverbs teaches that wise people do what is right, walk in the light, live with unwavering moral integrity, and trust God rather than fearing harm. Wisdom is not merely spoken but demonstrated through consistent, godly conduct that honors the LORD and reflects confidence in His justice and care.
Biblical Wisdom in Action
Wisdom in Proverbs is audible and visible. It is biblical wisdom in action. It includes wise words and exemplary behavior. A famous American said:
· “Defeat doesn’t finish a man, quit does. A man is not finished when he’s defeated. He’s finished when he quits.”
· “If you take no risks, you will suffer no defeats. But if you take no risks, you win no victories.”
· “Those who hate you don’t win unless you hate them, and then you destroy yourself.”1
His words were wise. Unfortunately, his behavior contradicted his words. His name was Richard M. Nixon. “Nixon and senior members of his administration were found to have weaponized government agencies against his enemies, among much other wrongdoing.”2 He didn’t possess the wisdom Proverbs describes.
We will consider three behavioral characteristics of wise people:
· Righteous behavior
· Integrity
· Live in peace
Righteous Behavior Pleases God
Wise people please God by doing what is right, just, and fair (Proverbs 1:3, Proverbs 21:3). What is best for them isn’t their first consideration. Instead, they are self-forgetful and other-oriented.
They have a good reputation. They are known for their pure and right conduct (Proverbs 20:11). They don’t have ulterior motives or hidden agendas. Because they are upright and righteous, God hears and delights in their prayers (Proverbs 15:8, 29).
Wise People Walk in the Light
They follow the straight, safe path, not the crooked, evil way (Proverbs 4:26-27). They walk in the light and stay out of the darkness. They avoid wrongdoing and scandalous behavior (Proverbs 18:3), but not because of what other people might think of them. They fear doing wrong because they fear the LORD and want to please Him. They hate corruption and unjust gain (Proverbs 28:14, 16).
They don’t acquit the guilty or condemn the innocent (Proverbs 17:15). They speak what is right (Proverbs 23:16). They pursue righteousness and unfailing love (Proverbs 21:21). They follow those who are good and righteous (Proverbs 2:20), not those who are devious and self-serving. Wise people choose the company they keep wisely.
They please God by putting Him at the center of their lives. They aren’t perfect. But after they mess up, the gaze of their heart returns to and fixes on God.
They repeatedly escape sin’s trap and shout for joy (Proverbs 29:6). Avoiding what is wrong and doing what is right isn’t accidental. It’s intentional because they strive to be like their righteous Creator.
Integrity Marks the Godly
Integrity is “the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles that you refuse to change.”3 Wise people are godly and live with integrity (Proverbs 20:7). They are not camouflaged believers whose behavior changes like the wind depending on the circumstances. Such commitment to strong moral principles pleases God. He protects people who have integrity, are just, and are faithful to Him (2:7-8).
Wise People Live in Peace
Wise people live in peace and don’t fear harm (Proverbs 1:33). They trust God’s faithfulness, love, and ability to shepherd them. They have a peaceful heart and a healthy body (14:30) because their faith overcomes their fears. They don’t fret because of evildoers or envy them (24:19). They know that God is not mocked and evildoers will reap what they sow. See additional characteristics of wise people.
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