#1342. Proverbs 11:4-8 – Righteousness and the straight path (2/9/25)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional where we are continuing in our Wisdom for Life series from Proverbs. 

From Proverbs 11:4–8, we reflect on how the righteous seek salvation, protection, and hope from God alone, and pursue His ‘straight path’. 

To watch this devotional, please select the link below. 

i. Wealth cannot save us from God’s wrath!

Wealth, as Proverbs often shows, can be a blessing. It can provide comfort, security, and opportunity. But there are things money simply cannot buy — and salvation is one of them. When the ‘day of wrath’ comes — the day of God’s judgment — wealth is powerless. All human riches will fail to shield us from the justice of God.

Only righteousness can deliver from death. But what kind of righteousness? Scripture teaches us that true righteousness is not earned by good behaviour but received by faith. As Paul writes in Romans 3:

For the original reader of this proverb, the righteousness that saved was faith in God, including the regular sacrifice for sins that the law required. For Christians, these animal sacrifices are understood to be a foreshadowing of the sacrifice of Christ. The righteousness that delivers us from death is the righteousness of Christ, freely given to those who trust in His finished work on the cross.

ii. Righteousness makes a straight path

Beyond being justified by faith (imputed righteousness), we’re also called to live righteously — to walk in God’s wisdom day by day.

God’s will is described as a ‘straight path’; God’s ways and wisdom are the safe route that lead to blessings rather than being ‘brought down’ as we stumble over the results of our own foolish choices.

iii. Righteousness delivers

Again, we see the life-giving nature of righteousness. It not only saves us from final judgment, it protects us in the here and now. Righteous living delivers us from the snares of this world: greed, lust, pride, and fear…

Meanwhile, the unfaithful are ensnared by their own desires. Sin promises freedom but brings bondage and destruction. God’s wisdom offers a better way — a way of deliverance, freedom, and flourishing.

iv. Let’s put our hope in God rather than people

If our hope is in people — leaders, influencers, our spouse, friends, or even ourselves — we are setting ourselves up for disappointment. People let us down. They die. Power fades. Promises fail.

No matter how impressive someone may seem, they are mortal and limited. This verse is a sobering reminder to put our hope where it belongs: in the living God, who never fails, never dies, and never breaks His promises.

v. God is working all things for our good!

This seems to point to how the wicked, on occasion, make plans to bring trouble on ‘the righteous’. For example, most famously, Judas sought to bring trouble on Jesus. Or Haman sought to bring trouble on Esther and the Jews. In both cases, it ‘fell on the wicked instead’! Their plots were used by God for an ultimate good.

Likewise, evil and evil people can seek to undermine us, but God is working all things for our good!

In response:

• Are you placing your hope in wealth or in Jesus for joy and salvation?

• Are you pursuing the ‘straight path’ - God’s righteousness — seeking to obey Him?

• Are you trusting that God — rather than people — will give you joy and security?

• When assaulted by evil plans, are you trusting that God is working all things together for your good?

Let’s seek to be righteous — those who find salvation, protection, wisdom, and hope not in wealth or human power, but in God alone.

Let’s pray together:

“Father, thank you that righteousness delivers me from death — not my own righteousness, but the righteousness of Jesus, given to me by faith. Help me to live in a way that reflects your wisdom. Lead me on straight paths. Help me to keep my hope fixed on You. Today, I declare, ‘you are working all things together for my good!’ Amen.”

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News. 

2. Icebreaker

How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

Week #13: Proverbs 11:1-11:31. A vision of the Righteous life

1. What themes stand out in this week’s section? Identify key ideas and repeated patterns. What is the focus of this section?

2. What promises does God offer, and what warnings does He give? Look for specific encouragements, blessings, or cautions in the text.

3. How does this speak into our lives today? What are the practical ways we could live this out — individually, in our families, in our community?

4. How is God calling you to respond? Consider what this means for your heart, your choices, and your direction.

5. SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• How might the wisdom in this week's section of Proverbs help us to be a light for Jesus?

• Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.

  
  

6. Let’s pray together: 

• Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.

• Pray for one another's SIV opportunities and boldness in following the Spirit's promptings.

• Pray specifically for the 'people of peace' in our lives—asking God to open hearts and provide opportunities to speak life and truth.