The List

Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever. Psalm 112:3 NASB

Righteousness – The blessed father is one whose children are aligned with God’s word (Psalm 112:2), but his influence doesn’t stop there. His righteousness endures. What does that mean? Does it mean that the father experiences eternal life? Does it mean that his status in the family never wanes? Does it mean God “saves” him? Consider this explanation of tsedaqa, the Hebrew term translated “righteousness.”

The man who is righteous tries to preserve the peace and prosperity of the community by fulfilling the commands of God in regard to others. In the supreme sense the righteous man (ṣaddîq) is one who serves God (Mal 3:18). Specifically, he, like Job, delivers the poor and orphan, helps the blind along the way, supports the weak and is a father (provider) to the poor (Job 29:12–15). This was the righteous “clothing” of Job’s life. To return the poor man’s pledged coat before sundown so that it may serve as his night clothes is righteousness (Deut 24:13), the purpose in this case being the man’s comfort. But the “righteousness” consisted in obedience to God’s law and conformity to God’s nature, having mercy for the needy and helpless.^[1]

Did you notice that righteousness is a function of relationship interaction between men and with God? It’s not an imputed condition, allocated by God to the elect. It’s action; action taken by a man who treats his neighbors with dignity, who honors agreements, who seeks peace and who follows God’s instructions. In this very important sense, righteousness is within reach of everyone! The elect are elect because they choose to act as the elect. Righteousness is a very human goal.

How does a man exhibit righteousness? He keeps his word. He doesn’t defraud people. He is upright in his dealing with others. He obeys God’s instructions. He cares for the stranger. He offers hospitality. He does not pursue wealth as a means of power over others. He does not victimize the helpless. He gives—freely and without regard for gain. He is a blessing to his community and his nation. He administers his tasks with ethical perspicuity. He is a true friend. He abuses neither himself nor others. In other words, he walks as a man of God whose feet are at home in the dust of the earth.

And he does all this not because it is commanded but because he is devoted.

Make your list. How are you becoming the elect?

Topical Index: righteousness, tsedaqah, elect, Psalm 112:3

^[1] Stigers, H. G. (1999). 1879 צָדֵק. In R. L. Harris, G. L. Archer, Jr. & B. K. Waltke (Eds.), Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament (R. L. Harris, G. L. Archer, Jr. & B. K. Waltke, Ed.) (electronic ed.) (753). Chicago: Moody Press.