The Righteousness of Christ, Foundation of Wisdom

Proverbs 10 begins a new section (1-9 being introductory). It’s easy to see the LORD’s foundation or priority in teaching wisdom: “The proverbs of Solomon...ill-gotten gains do not profit, but RIGHTEOUSNESS delivers from death. The LORD will not allow the RIGHTEOUS to hunger [see Matthew 5:6], but He will reject the craving of the wicked...blessings are on the head of the RIGHTEOUS, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. The memory of the RIGHTEOUS is blessed, but the name of the wicked will rot...the mouth of the RIGHTEOUS is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence...the wages of the RIGHTEOUS is life, the income of the wicked, punishment...the tongue of the RIGHTEOUS is as choice silver, the heart of the wicked is worth little. The lips of the RIGHTEOUS feed many, but fools die for lack of understanding...what the wicked fears will come upon him, but the desire of the RIGHTEOUS will be granted. When the whirlwind passes, the wicked is no more, but the RIGHTEOUS has an everlasting foundation...the hope of the RIGHTEOUS is gladness, but the expectation of the wicked perishes...the RIGHTEOUS will never be shaken, but the wicked will not dwell in the land. The mouth of the RIGHTEOUS flows with wisdom, but the perverted tongue will be cut out. The lips of the RIGHTEOUS bring forth what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked what is perverted” (Proverbs 10:1-3,6,7,11,16,20,21,24,25,28,30-32).

Let us gather this day, Church, learning from our Lord and Master, Who is the fullness of the righteousness taught in the wisdom of Solomon (Matthew 12:42):

• “When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying...‘But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you’” (Matthew 5:1,2; 6:33).
• “But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, Who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness...so that, just as it is written, ‘LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD’” (1 Corinthians 1:30,31).