Four Postures Of Righteousness
Four postures of righteousness. How do you live a life that honors God? What the Bible calls righteousness. Psalm 1:1-2 provides four postures to guide you.
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. (ESV, Psalm 1:1-2)
Four postures of righteousness. Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked.
The verse is composed of three “do nots” followed by one “do.” Although the three “do nots” imply a “do.” And it begins with how we walk. Not our physical gait, of course. The Hebrew word hâlak, is translated “walk” but refers to behavior. Our conduct as we navigate life.
“Counsel” is ʿêtsâh, and means advice and prudence. Because we all seek advice on decisions from time to time. So, where do you go for yours? We’re told here not to seek advice from the wicked. But what exactly does that mean?
The Hebrew word is râshâ, which means morally wrong, ungodly, and guilty. Its meaning is broader than just people who are obviously evil. But anyone who does not devoutly worship and follow the one true God.
I know. Some of those people care about you. And have life experiences that should be considered. But ungodly advice is skewed by a secular worldview. God’s will is often counter cultural and therefore, godly advice doesn’t always make sense from a worldly perspective. So Christ-followers who actively follow God and seek his will should be your main source of advice.
Four postures of righteousness. Nor stands in the way of sinners
The Hebrew word for “sinner” is chaṭṭâ, which means sinner, offender, criminal and one accounted guilty. And yes, we are all sinners. However, Christ-followers are redeemed through the blood of Jesus Christ. And our desire is to please and honor God. Therefore, we should pursue the holiness of God by imitating the life of Christ.
The Hebrew word for “stand” is ʿâmad, which means to abide, continue, dwell. And the Hebrew word for “way” is derek, which means path, manner, journey, custom, a course of life or mode of action. And as Christ-followers, we walk a different path than non-believers. It doesn’t mean non-believers are bad people or always pursuing evil things. But without God’s indwelling Spirit, their desires lean towards selfish pursuits of pleasure. And what happens if we stand on that path?
Well. What happens if you stand in the path of a moving train, a tsunami, or a tornado? A tragedy, right? The point here is not that non-believers will run you over if you’re in their path. But that they might pull along with them into morally unhealthy activities. Instead, seek Christ-followers who share your God honoring desires and walk a righteous path together.
Four postures of righteousness. Nor sits in the seat of scoffers
The Hebrew word for “sit” is yâshab, which means to sit down, dwell, remain, settle, tarry, abide, remain, and inhabit. The word for “seat” is môshâb, which means a seat, an abode, dwelling, inhabited place, and sojourning. And the word for “scoffers” is lûwts, which means to scoff, have in derision, scorn, and mock.
The point is, attitudes are contagious. Therefore, don’t hang around negative people with a cynical attitude for any length of time. Because it slowly rubs off on you.
And what makes them unhappy? A lack of hope.
Christ-followers have a living hope through Jesus Christ. And a future, eternal life with him. We should hang out with others who share our hope and keep company with those who live a joy-filled life.
Four postures of righteousness. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.
The Hebrew word for “delight” is chêphets, which means pleasure, desire, delight, and a valuable thing. The Hebrew word for “meditate” is hâgâh, which means to ponder, meditate, imagine and study.
God’s word reveals the thoughts, desires, and purposes of God. And provides instructions on righteous living for the people of God. So reading the Bible should not be a duty of drugery, but a delight we meditate on. Think about. And ponder.
Okay, pushing through Leviticus and the begats in Matthew might not keep you perched on the edge of your seat. But God’s word is to be cherished as we study, learn, and apply it to our lives.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.
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