Series: Practical Proverbs
Proverbs main comparison is wisdom vs. foolishness and we learned that wisdom comes from God. Wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge correctly and rightly. With wisdom our life is blessed by God but without wisdom our life is cursed and we act and look like a fool to the Kingdom of Heaven.
The second most common comparison in Proverbs is wickedness compared and contrasted with godliness.
Scriptures:
There are 92 verses in the book of Proverbs which reference wickedness and godliness.
Let me read just a few of them:
Proverbs 2:21-22:
For the uprights will live in the land, and the blameless will remain in it; but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the unfaithful will be torn from it.
Proverbs 3:31-33:
31 Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways, 32 for the Lord detests a perverse man but He takes the upright into his confidence. 33 The Lord ’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous.
Proverbs 4:14-19:
14 Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men. 15 Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way. 16 For they cannot sleep till they do evil; they are robbed of slumber till they make someone fall. 17 They eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence. 18 The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. 19 But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.
Proverbs 10:2-3:
2 Ill–gotten treasures are of no value, but righteousness delivers from death. 3 The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.
Proverbs 10:6-7:
Blessings crown the head of the righteous, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked. The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.
Proverbs 10:9:
9 The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.
Proverbs 10:11:
11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked. Compare 10:11 with Matthew 12:34 and Luke 6:45.
Proverbs 10:16:
16 The wages of the righteous bring them life, but the income of the wicked brings them punishment.
Proverbs 10:20:
The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.
Proverbs 10:24:
The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.
Proverbs 10:25:
25 When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever. Cross Reference: Matthew 13:43
Proverbs 10:27-32:
The fear of the LORD prolongs days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened. The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish. The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity. The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth. The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out. The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse.
This comparison in Proverbs is placed there to remind us that our world in which we live is in a war for one of two philosophies of life. One philosophy of life centers on godliness the result of a life which embraces wisdom from God and then applies it to their life and to their knowledge base. On the other side of godliness or the polar opposite is wickedness. This belief does not want wisdom from God because it believes it knows better than God. Therefore they choose what is right and wrong. This mindset is rooted and grounded in evil. It originated in the heart of Satan and it spills into our world from his devices of deception. This comparison is placed in Proverbs to warn us that there are two forces fighting for your spirit, soul and body. One is the Lord while the other is the Devil.
Sermon 3: Wicked vs Godly
Introduction:
Paul Harvey the famous radio voice of news did a program 48 years ago called if “I where the Devil” lets listen to what he points out to be the subtle deception of wickedness.
Listen to the clip http://nation.foxnews.com/paul-harvey/2012/03/21/1965-if-i-were-devil-warning-nation-paul-harvey
His written speech: This speech was broadcast by legendary ABC Radio commentator Paul Harvey on April 3, 1965: 48 years ago!
If I were the Devil . . . I mean, if I were the Prince of Darkness, I would of course, want to engulf the whole earth in darkness. I would have a third of its real estate and four-fifths of its population, but I would not be happy until I had seized the ripest apple on the tree, so I should set about however necessary to take over the United States. I would begin with a campaign of whispers. With the wisdom of a serpent, I would whisper to you as I whispered to Eve: “Do as you please.” “Do as you please.” To the young, I would whisper, “The Bible is a myth.” I would convince them that man created God instead of the other way around. I would confide that what is bad is good, and what is good is “square”. In the ears of the young marrieds, I would whisper that work is debasing, that cocktail parties are good for you. I would caution them not to be extreme in religion, in patriotism, in moral conduct. And the old, I would teach to pray. I would teach them to say after me: “Our Father, which art in Washington” . . .
If I were the devil, I’d educate authors in how to make lurid literature exciting so that anything else would appear dull an uninteresting. I’d threaten T.V. with dirtier movies and vice versa. And then, if I were the devil, I’d get organized. I’d infiltrate unions and urge more loafing and less work, because idle hands usually work for me. I’d peddle narcotics to whom I could. I’d sell alcohol to ladies and gentlemen of distinction. And I’d tranquilize the rest with pills. If I were the devil, I would encourage schools to refine young intellects but neglect to discipline emotions . . . let those run wild. I would designate an atheist to front for me before the highest courts in the land and I would get preachers to say “she’s right.” With flattery and promises of power, I could get the courts to rule what I construe as against God and in favor of pornography, and thus, I would evict God from the courthouse, and then from the school house, and then from the houses of Congress and then, in His own churches I would substitute psychology for religion, and I would deify science because that way men would become smart enough to create super weapons but not wise enough to control them.
If I were Satan, I’d make the symbol of Easter an egg, and the symbol of Christmas, a bottle. If I were the devil, I would take from those who have and I would give to those who wanted, until I had killed the incentive of the ambitious. And then, my police state would force everybody back to work. Then, I could separate families, putting children in uniform, women in coal mines, and objectors in slave camps. In other words, if I were Satan, I’d just keep on doing what he’s doing.
Paul Harvey, Good Day.
Wickedness is gaining more and more momentum in our society. It is relentless in its pursuit to drive people away from God and godliness. It is seductive and attractive to many within our society and its mission is to kill, steal and destroy the person it seduces.
We must be wise today to be able to discern this seductive belief system.
So let’s look at what wickedness is promised in Proverbs and see how it’s lies are never going to bring us happiness and contentment in life.
I. What does wickedness look like?
a. Wicked: Definition - Morally very bad, EVIL, FIERCE, VICIOUS , disposed to or marked by mischief : ROGUISH disgustingly unpleasant, VILE, causing or likely to cause harm, distress, or trouble - wickedness is not on God’s agenda but their own evil or selfish agenda.
b. In the New Testament: Wickedness, malignity, evil in thought and purpose is presented by the word πονηρία, ponērı́a: “But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, “ 18But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me?” (Mt 22:18). Jesus points out the origin of all wrong: “For from within, out of the heart of men, evil thoughts proceed … wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness … all these evil things proceed from within, and defile the man” (Mk 7:21-23). From International Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
c. The few verses from Proverbs above taught us that the wicked will receive the following:
i. The wicked will be cut off from the land and the earth never to possess it.
ii. Their house will be cursed not blessed by the Lord.
1. God will never bless sin – He never has and He never will bless it!
iii. Wicked people will stumble and fall through life in a deception of darkness.
iv. Wicked people will be enveloped in violence.
v. The wicked at the end of their life will have nothing of value in their life – it will have been a wasted – a meaningless existence. They will have no rewards no gain only loss!
vi. The wicked will be tormented with their past and their memories, and they will not sleep well or peaceful.
vii. The wicked will be exposed -- their sins will be seen by all, what they do in the dark will come out in the light.
viii. The wicked will reap punishment for their crooked ways of gaining wealth. They will lose it all in the end!
ix. The wicked cannot be trusted with their words and their heart is ruthless and lifeless.
x. The fears of the wicked will come upon them and torture them.
xi. The wicked will be carried off by the storms of life but the godly will stand strong.
xii. The wicked will live a very short life with no fulfillment!
T.S. – We need to be able to recognize and avoid wickedness in our lives and instead embrace godliness.
II. What does godliness look like?
a. Godliness promises God’s blessings, God’s eternal life, strength, peace, rewards, a life filled with fulfillment and purpose and a long life of happiness and blessings.
b. Godly: Definition of GODLY- DIVINE, PIOUS, DEVOUT, god•li•ness. This person is on God’s agenda using the wisdom from God to apply knowledge rightly and correctly.
c. Quotes on godliness:
i. Let your daughter have first of all the book of Psalms for holiness of heart, and be instructed in the Proverbs of Solomon for her godly life.
St. Jerome
ii. In our friendships we have to be wise that we choose godly people to be our friends. Somebody might say, well does that mean that you should never have a lost person as your friend? No, I wouldn't say that. But you can't have the same intimacy with a lost person that you can with a godly person in whom the Holy Spirit is living.
Charles Stanley
iii. The time you spend alone with God will transform your character and increase your devotion. Then your integrity and godly behavior in an unbelieving world will make others long to know the Lord.
Charles Stanley
iv. Earthly wisdom is doing what comes naturally. Godly wisdom is doing what the Holy Spirit compels us to do.
Charles Stanley
d. God is not impressed by our reputations. He has unlimited insight into the real quality of our character.
i. What is Character? From http://www.truthortradition.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1250
1. A person’s character is who they really are. We all think about a lot of things that are not godly, and things we would be ashamed of if they were available for all to know. Abraham Lincoln once said, “Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.” My reputation is what others think of me, which may or may not be true, but my character is who I really am. Your character is the real you in the sense that you cannot separate what you do from who you are.
2. Everyone has a “public” face and a “private” face. Most of us tend to act with better behavior around others than we do in private. The other day I was at a major retail store when I noticed sophisticated video surveillance equipment. It’s not that I was going to do anything wrong, but just knowing the cameras were there resulted in my thinking, “I need to watch what I am doing because someone could be watching me.” Stories abound of people being caught on camera committing rueful acts. It is sad but true that video cameras reveal what we all know: that a person’s real character is who they are when they think no one is looking. The British writer and politician Thomas Macauly (1800-1859) once said, “The measure of a man’s character is what he would do if he knew he never would be found out.”
3. Character is the aggregate of a person’s ethical and moral qualities, and it is demonstrated through the choices we make. So a person of good character is someone who acts morally and ethically upright. Undoubtedly, we are all a mixture of both good and bad, so we are not saying that to have “good” character a person never makes any missteps. Rather, he is someone who is always striving to take the moral high road and, when he recognizes he has done something wrong, does what is necessary to get back on track.
4. The list of “high value” character traits (those virtues we esteem) is extensive, and includes such things as integrity, courage, honor, honesty, and fortitude. In addition to the many noble traits there are, we Christians would also want to make sure that we are pursuing those virtues that God espouses. Certainly this list for us would incorporate the distinguishing qualities of love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, and humility. In fact, it has been said that the fruit of the spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22 and 23 represent the character of Christ:
a. Galatians 5:22 and 23a
(22) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
(23a) gentleness and self-control
e. Godliness and wickedness is all about what our character or what we look like in private – Our character may not be seen by others but God sees it.
i. This is why it is so important to help our children develop godliness in their lives: We need to remember the type of character we have is our choice. We need to help them make right choices!
1. PROVERBS 22:6: Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
a. “The Hebrew word for train (h\aµnak_) means to dedicate…. H\aµnak_ seems to include the idea of setting aside, narrowing, or hedging in. The word is sometimes used in the sense of “start.” Child-training involves “narrowing” a child’s conduct away from evil and toward godliness and starting him in the right direction. Gleason L. Archer points out that this Hebrew verb is similar to the Egyptian h\-n-k, which means “to give to the gods” or “to set up something for divine service.” He suggests that in verse 6 this gives “the following range of possible meanings: ‘Dedicate the child to God, ’ ‘Prepare the child for his future responsibilities, ’ ‘Exercise or train the child for adulthood’” (Encyclopedia of Bible Difficulties. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1982, p. 252). (Bible Knowledge Commentary)
b. We had a baby dedication today which means this couple made a covenant with God to raise their child in the ways of godliness and to protect their child from wickedness.
ii. Here are some character qualities we need to have and we need to build into our children our grandchildren to help shape their godly character:
1. Alertness vs. Unawareness
Being aware of that which is taking place around me so I can have the right response to it (Mark 14:38).
2. Attentiveness vs. Unconcern
Showing the worth of a person by giving undivided attention to their words and emotions (Hebrews 2:1).
3. Availability vs. Self-centeredness
Making my own schedule and priorities secondary to the wishes of those of God and whom I am serving (Philippians 2:20–21).
4. Boldness vs. Fearfulness
Confidence that what I have to say or do is true and right and just in the sight of God and I need to please God not mankind (Acts 4:29).
5. Cautiousness vs. Rashness
Knowing how important right timing is in accomplishing right actions (Proverbs 19:2).
6. Compassion vs. Indifference
Investing whatever is necessary to heal the hurts of others (I John 3:17).
7. Contentment vs. Covetousness
Realizing that God has provided everything I need for my present happiness. I do not need more (I Timothy 6:8).
8. Creativity vs. Underachievement
Approaching a need, a task, an idea from a new perspective - being open to doing things differently as God directs (Romans 12:2). Understanding that God is the most creative force in the universe.
9. Decisiveness vs. Double-mindedness
The ability to finalize difficult decisions based on the will and ways of God (James 1:5).
10. Deference vs. Rudeness
Limiting my freedoms in order not to offend the tastes of those whom God has called me to serve (Romans 14:21).
11. Dependability vs. Inconsistency
Fulfilling what I consented to do for God even if it means unexpected sacrifice on my part (Psalm 15:4).
12. Determination vs. Faintheartedness
Purposing to accomplish God’s goals in God’s time regardless of the opposition (II Timothy 4:7–8).
13. Diligence vs. Slothfulness
Visualizing each task as a special assignment from the Lord and using all my energies to accomplish it (Colossians 3:23).
14. Discernment vs. Judgment
The God-given ability to understand why things happen (I Samuel 16:7).
15. Discretion vs. Simplemindedness
The ability to avoid words, actions, and attitudes - which could result in undesirable consequences (Proverbs 22:3).
16. Endurance vs. Giving up
The inward strength to withstand stress to accomplish God’s best (Galatians 6:9).
17. Enthusiasm vs. Apathy
Expressing with my soul the joy of my spirit through praise and worship and action (I Thessalonians 5:16,19).
18. Faith vs. Presumption
Visualizing what God intends to do in a given situation and acting in harmony with it (Hebrews 11:1).
19. Flexibility vs. Resistance
Not setting my affections on ideas or plans which could be changed by God (Colossians 3:2).
20. Forgiveness vs. Rejection
Clearing the record of those who have wronged me and allowing God to love them through me (Ephesians 4:32).
21. Generosity vs. Stinginess
Realizing that all I have belongs to God and using it for His purposes is sensible and right (II Corinthians 9:6).
22. Gentleness vs. Harshness
Showing personal care and concern in meeting the need of others (I Thessalonians 2:7).
23. Gratefulness vs. Un-thankfulness
Making known to God and others in what ways they have benefited my life (I Corinthians 4:7).
24. Hospitality vs. Loneliness
Cheerfully sharing food, shelter, and spiritual refreshment with those whom God brings into my life (Hebrews 13:2).
25. Humility vs. Pride
Recognizing that it is actually God and others who are responsible for the achievements in my life (James 4:6).
26. Initiative vs. Unresponsiveness
Recognizing and doing what needs to be done before I am asked to do it (Romans 12:21).
27. Joyfulness vs. Self-pity
The spontaneous enthusiasm of my spirit when my soul is in fellowship with the Lord (Psalm 16:11).
28. Justice vs. Fairness
Personal responsibility to God’s unchanging laws (Micah 6:8).
29. Love vs. Selfishness
Giving to others’ basic needs without having as my motive personal reward (I Corinthians 13:3).
30. Loyalty vs. Unfaithfulness
Using difficult times to demonstrate my commitment to God and to those whom He has called me to serve (John 15:13).
31. Meekness vs. Anger
Yielding my personal rights and expectations to God (Psalm 62:5).
32. Obedience vs. Willfulness
Freedom to be creative under the protection of divinely appointed authority (II Corinthians 10:5).
33. Orderliness vs. Disorganization
Preparing myself and my surrounding’s so I will achieve the greatest efficiency with my life and gifts (I Corinthians 14:40).
34. Patience vs. Restlessness
Accepting a difficult situation from God without giving Him a deadline to remove it (Romans 5:3–4).
35. Persuasiveness vs. Contentiousness
Guiding vital truths of the Word of God around another’s mental roadblocks (II Timothy 2:24).
36. Punctuality vs. Tardiness
Showing high esteem for other people and their time (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
37. Resourcefulness vs. Wastefulness
Wise use of that which others would normally overlook or discard (Luke 16:10).
38. Responsibility vs. Unreliability
Knowing and doing what both God and others are expecting from me (Romans 14:12).
39. Reverence vs. Disrespect
Awareness of how God is working through the people and events in my life to produce the character of Christ in me (Proverbs 23:17–18).
40. Security vs. Anxiety
Structuring my life around that which is eternal and cannot be destroyed or taken away (John 6:27).
41. Self-Control vs. Self-indulgence
Instant obedience to the initial promptings of God’s Spirit (Galatians 5:24–25).
42. Sensitivity vs. Callousness
Exercising my senses so I can perceive the true spirit and emotions of those around me (Romans 12:15).
43. Sincerity vs. Hypocrisy
Eagerness to do what is right with transparent motives (I Peter 1:22).
44. Thoroughness vs. Incompleteness
Knowing what factors will diminish the effectiveness of my work for God or words if neglected (Proverbs 18:15).
45. Thriftiness vs. Extravagance
Not letting myself or others spend that which is not necessary (Luke 16:11).
46. Tolerance vs. Prejudice
Acceptance of others as unique expressions of specific character qualities in varying degrees of maturity (Philippians 2:2).
47. Truthfulness vs. Deception
Earning future trust by accurately reporting past facts (Ephesians 4:25).
48. Virtue vs. Impurity
The moral excellence and purity of spirit that radiate from my life as I obey God’s Word (II Peter 1:3).
49. Wisdom vs. Natural Inclinations
Seeing and responding to life’s situations from God’s frame of reference (Proverbs 9:10).
a. The above points from http://www.graceonlinelibrary.org/home-family/christian-parenting/49-godly-character-qualities/
f. Quote about developing godly character --- From http://samuelatgilgal.wordpress.com/2008/06/26/how-do-you-develop-godly-character/As I pointed out in my earlier article on “Success,” God is very concerned about your character development as a Christian.
i. James L. Christensen wrote, “The purpose of Christianity is not to avoid difficulty, but to produce a character adequate to meet it when it comes. It does not make life easy; rather it tries to make us great enough for life.”
ii. I can think of nothing more important in the development of character than the exposure to and reading of God’s word in order to find God’s Will.
1. Proverbs 11:3 tells us that, “The integrity of the upright guides them. . .” Character is the result of a moral compass that determines how we think and act. Intentional concern for the condition of that compass is also an important quality of character.
2. The psalmist expresses this when he prays, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”(Psalm 139:23-24)
Conclusion:
Closing video Radical by David Platt on the choices we make and our character. From http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoicm4wnQ4c
Guy McGraw from sermoncentral.com states:
We are constantly bombarded by the conventional thinking or our world. It often comes to us in pithy sayings:”If you give him an inch he will take a mile.” “Two wrongs don’t make a right.” ”If you lay down with the dogs you will get up with the fleas.” ”God helps those who help themselves.” ”Cleanliness is next to godliness.” ”Don’t get mad get even.” ”When in Rome do as the Roman’s do.””A dog may be able to whip a skunk but the fight just ain’t worth it.” “When in the world do as those in the world do.” “BE Politically Right.” “Don’t make waves, blend in, go with the flow.” ”What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.”
Problem is this encourages and condones wicked lifestyles and leads us to conform to ungodly standards.
Let’s make a commitment today to godliness!
The following Scripture verse on wickedness vs godliness from http://stronginfaith.org/proverbs.php?
Proverbs 2:21-22
21 For the upright will live in the land, and the blameless will remain in it; 22 but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the unfaithful will be torn from it.
Proverbs 3:31-33
31 Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways, 32 for the Lord detests a perverse man but takes the upright into his confidence. 33 The Lord ’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous.
Proverbs 4:14-19
14 Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men. 15 Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way. 16 For they cannot sleep till they do evil; they are robbed of slumber till they make someone fall. 17 They eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence. 18 The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. 19 But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.
Proverbs 10:2-3
2 Ill–gotten treasures are of no value, but righteousness delivers from death. 3 The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.
Proverbs 10:6
6 Blessings crown the head of the righteous, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.
Proverbs 10:7
The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.
Proverbs 10:9
9 The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.
Proverbs 10:11
11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked. Compare 10:11 with Matthew 12:34 and Luke 6:45.
Proverbs 10:16
16 The wages of the righteous bring them life, but the income of the wicked brings them punishment.
Proverbs 10:20
The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.
Proverbs 10:24
The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.
Proverbs 10:25
25 When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever. Cross Reference: Matthew 13:43
Proverbs 10:27
The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.
Proverbs 10:28
The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.
Proverbs 10:29
The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
Proverbs 10:30
The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.
Proverbs 10:31-32
31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out. 32 The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse.
Proverbs 11:3
The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.
Proverbs 11:5-6
The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.
Proverbs 11:8
8 The righteous man is rescued from trouble, and it comes on the wicked instead.
Proverbs 11:9
An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.
Proverbs 11:10-11
When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting. By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
Proverbs 11:18
The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.
Proverbs 11:19
As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.
Proverbs 11:20
They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.
Proverbs 11:21
Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
Proverbs 11:27
He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.
Proverbs 11:31
Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner. Many believe that the Apostle Peter is pulling from this verse in 1 Peter 4:17-18.
Proverbs 12:2
A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.
Proverbs 12:3
A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.
Proverbs 12:5
The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.
Proverbs 12:6
The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.
Proverbs 12:7
The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.
Proverbs 12:10
A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
Proverbs 12:13-14
The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble. A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him.
Proverbs 12:21
There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.
Proverbs 12:26
The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.
Proverbs 13:2
A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence.
Proverbs 13:5-6
A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame. Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.
Proverbs 13:9
The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.
Proverbs 13:17
A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.
Proverbs 13:21-22
Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed. A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.
Proverbs 13:25
The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.
Proverbs 14:2
He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him.
Proverbs 14:9
Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour. Cross Reference: Romans 6:16
Proverbs 14:11
The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish.
Proverbs 14:19
The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
Proverbs 14:22
Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.
Proverbs 14:32
The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.
Proverbs 14:34
Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
Proverbs 15:6
In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.
Proverbs 15:8
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
Proverbs 15:26
The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.
Proverbs 15:28
The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
Proverbs 15:29
The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
Proverbs 17:13
Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house. You reap what you sow (Gal 6:7).
Proverbs 19:1
Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.
Proverbs 21:12
The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.
Proverbs 21:15
It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
Proverbs 21:18
The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.
Proverbs 21:29
A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way.
Proverbs 24:15-16
Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place: For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.
Proverbs 25: 26
A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.
Proverbs 28:1
The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion. Leviticus 26:17
Proverbs 28:4
They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them. Romans 1:32
Proverbs 28:5
Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things. Cross Reference: Psalms 92:6, 119:99-100, Isaiah 6:9, 44:18, 1 Cor 2:14, 1 John 2:20, 27
Proverbs 28:6
Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich. Cross Reference: Luke 9:25, Matthew 16:26, Mark 8:36
Proverbs 28:10
Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession. Psalms 7:15
Proverbs 28:12
When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.
Proverbs 28:14
Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief. Cross Reference: Romans 2:5, Psalms 95:8
Proverbs 28:18
Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
Proverbs 28:28
When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.
Proverbs 29:6
In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.
Proverbs 29:7
The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.
Proverbs 29:16
When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.
Proverbs 29:27
An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.
Total: Verses: 92
Total Passages: 76
