Today’s Gospel

Righteousness keeps him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthrows the sinner. - Proverbs 13:6

Reflection

This verse teaches us to be righteous and honest people. Because God likes this kind of people. Just like God says: “You ought to know that God likes an honest man. God has the substance of faithfulness, and so His word can always be trusted. Furthermore, His actions are faultless and unquestionable. This is why God likes those who are absolutely honest with Him.”

“Honesty means to give your heart to God; never to play Him false in anything; to be open with Him in all things, never hiding the truth; never to do that which deceives those above and deludes those below; and never to do that which merely ingratiates yourself with God. In short, to be honest is to refrain from impurity in your actions and words, and to deceive neither God nor man.” From God’s word, we can see the reason why the righteous and honest people could be able to gain God’s approval. And also, we found the way to become an honest person. Only those who are righteous and honest can satisfy God’s will. Such people would never be able to resist or betray God, but be of one heart and mind toward God. Such people will surely be cared and protected by God.

The latter half of the verse warns us Christians that if we sin, we will be trapped in wickedness. We were corrupted by Satan, having the sinful nature, and Satan is ceaselessly tempting us to sin, to betray God. If we always commit sins and are not able to truly repent, we are always living under Satan’s domain. Over time, we will be eaten up by Satan. Therefore, being a righteous and honest person should be the goal that every Christian must pursue.