In Pursuit

by Jane Josephs

“The Lord detests the way of the wicked, but He loves those who pursue righteousness.” –Proverbs 15:9

As I was thumbing through the Bible the other day, I came to the book of Proverbs and just had to stop for a minute. This book, written by King Solomon, was written “for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight: for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair” (Prov. 1:2-3).

But my eye was caught some fifteen chapters later when Solomon contrasts the wicked and the righteous. He reminds us that “the eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good” (Prov. 15:3). And then in verse 9 I was brought to an abrupt stop by the word “pursue.” What does it mean to pursue righteousness? Isn’t righteousness given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe? (Rom. 3:22)

The short answer is yes. Our “right standing” with God is a gift to us through faith.

But if the Lord loves those who are in pursuit—that is, those who are chasing after righteousness—I thought perhaps it would be a good idea to refresh my understanding of the word. So here’s what I found.

Righteousness is the quality of being right in the eyes of God including character (nature), conscience (attitude), conduct (action), and command (word).

None of these qualities come easily, right? But if we purpose in our hearts to pursue them, we stand a good chance of leaving the world a little better than we found it. And that, my friends, is a good thing!

Dear Lord, Thank You for helping us pursue righteousness in all we do and say, so that we may witness to the world of Your great love and mercy. Amen.