The Path of Integrity
Study Scripture: Proverbs 11:1-14
Lesson 12

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Key Verse

The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.

Proverbs 11:3

 

INTRODUCTION

Our lesson today concentrates specifically on righteousness toward men, or in other words, true religion. It is certainly made very clear that the man who is not honest toward men is not to be considered as devout, or a true child of God, nor can he expect his prayers to be accepted.  

The International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia notes that the word integrity in Hebrew means ‘simplicity’, ‘soundness’, ‘completeness’, rendered also ‘upright’, ‘perfection’.

Its original sense (1 Kings 22:34, 2 Chronicles 18:33) and in other places carry the meaning of ‘simplicity, or sincerity of heart and intention, truthfulness, uprightness.

In the plural it is one of the words on the breastplate of the High Priest (Exodus 28:30, Deut 33:8) one of the sacred lots, indicating perhaps, ‘innocence or ‘integrity’.

It is also pointed out that the word does not occur in the New Testament, but its equivalent may be seen in ‘sincerity’, ‘truth’, the ‘pure heart’, the ‘single eye’. Simplicity of intention is equivalent to being honest, sincere, genuine and is fundamental to true character.  

This lesson deals with a serious matter. Believers have no choice but to be and to act sincere, genuine, with a ‘single eye’, and out of a pure heart.  

Any contrary behaviour is to be condemned as ungodly and unchrist ian . Those who deviate from this standard can hardly be considered as genuine Christ ian s, though they appear to be so because at their skill at hypocrisy.

 As believers we must adhere to the standards that God has set. Failure to do so will lead to terrible consequence, for God will chase us away from Him in the Day of wrath.  

So therefore let us congregate with each other, be honest with each other, not uphold iniquity when we see it, and have the blood of others on our heads. The prophets have warned us that if we see others sin and do not warn them, their blood will be on our heads.  

The command to deal fairly with one another is derived from the command to love one's neighbor as oneself.  See for example Leviticus 19: 18.  

The command to deal fairly with one another is derived from the command to love one's neighbor as oneself.  See for example Leviticus 19: 18. This injunction comes from the central command to love God, as stated in the Ten Commandments and in Deuteronomy 6:4-9. Our dealings with God, as well as our dealing with man must conform to the commands of God.  

Deceit in our dealings with other men is extremely offensive to God and is so stated in very strong language.  

When we look around us, we see men acting deceitfully in every area of life and treating it as a light thing.  As a matter of fact, fraud seems to have become an indispensable part of human relationships and it is not considered to be something that would offend God.  People do not seem to think that God is watching and that fair and honest dealings are pleasing to God, and are necessary if our prayers and supplications are to be acceptable to him.  

Let us remember that God is a God of justice and that he always treats everyone fairly and with righteous judgment.  No wonder then that he is pleased with those that follow him, doing what he does.  

Those that cheat and act fraudulently and pretend to do the right at all times stand in greater condemnation to God.  

We must be righteous, even as our Heavenly Father is righteous.  

This lesson is most important for us, as it discusses in great detail how we are to deal with one another, warning that when we do act falsely, it turns the stomach of God.

THE TEXT

Verse 1.   Integrity must permeate every facet of the life of a believer. It is paramount that the believer understands that there is no real spiritual integrity; no matter how well one may know the scripture, possess ability to sing or to preach or demonstrate possession of any of the spiritual gifts, if one is a cheat and a liar in the market place, then that one is regarded as a sinner before God.

This verse with a small variation in Proverbs 20:10, 23 then show us that God hates fraudulent behaviour –

 ‘A false balance is an abomination to the Lord…’

To procure anything by dishonest means is expressly stated to be an abomination to the Lord.  This behavior is condemned.  One is not justified in this behavior because the one to whom they sell, may be a heathen and a blasphemer. This   is still sin before God.  

The deception was in the use of false weights, whether buying or selling. The merchant would use a heavier weight when buying and a lighter weight when selling, to gain more than what was agreed upon for that transaction.

 “He is a merchant, the balances of deceit [are] in his hand: he loveth to oppress.” Hos 12:7.  

It is important to note that the word abomination means “utter detestation”, or literally “stomach wrenching hatred”.  This word is also used to describe how God views idolatry.  

Dishonesty is knowingly acting falsely to hurt others and to steal from others and is not acceptable to God.  It violates the law of loving God and loving man and there is no excuse for it.  

Those who are deceitful in this manner are also likely candidates to oppress the poor.  God pays particular attention to the poor, the weak, the vulnerable, widows and the down trodden. Those who abuse their power and oppress them are not in good standing before God.  

Conversely God loves and delights in those who are just, who conduct their business without corruption and whose public ventures in a fallen world are above reproach. (Leviticus 19:35-37,

Deuteronomy 25:13-16.)  One’s integrity is clearly linked to righteousness. God hates dishonesty, for it leads to, or is generally always found with other detestable traits.

Verse 2.    Pride is ones belief that he is great or much greater that he really is.  The root of the word actually means ‘to boil or to run over’.  Thus used in this context, pride is an overwhelmingly arrogant attitude or behaviour and is found in both ordinary men and in kings, in false prophets, and as well was commonplace in Israel (Deut 17:12,13; Neh 9:10, 16, 29).  

“When pride comes, then comes shame…”

This verse teaches that there is an unbreakable connection between the two traits, an immediate and almost simultaneous consequence.  

Pride is accompanied by shame, thus the arrogant, prideful spirit will find itself brought down to the dust.  So when pride or arrogance comes, shame or dishonor  is close behind.  

When we consider that men are created by God, depend on God for their existence, are sinners controlled by ‘the flesh’, who have bodies that are steadily degenerating, it is illogical to be proud.  

Pride is a sin and in practically every culture, people recognize it as an unattractive behaviour trait. People resent pride in their fellowmen and therefore look on the proud fully expecting that that person will eventually be pulled down and disgraced.  

This is the case because God resists the proud (Isaiah 2:11, 1 Peter 5:5, James 4:6), works against them and contradicts them.  

Pride is the great sin of mankind. 1Timothy 3:6 warns us that it will ruin inexperienced and immature believers. It is the sin that ruined Satan.  

The inspired writer now contrasts pride and humility.  Wisdom is with the humble and wisdom allows the humble to avoid the disgrace that accompany arrogance.  

Humility reveals a heart of wisdom.  The humble and modest man sees himself as certainly not above others, esteeming others better than himself.  He looks only for justice and never seeks the commendation or praise of others. When he is not praised, he is never disappointed or let down, knowing that he never deserved or desired it.

Verse 3.   We are here shown a clear contrast between the effects of righteousness and the effects of perversity on a person's life.  

There are certain inevitable consequences for those who disregard and talk against the law of God; but those who live a life of integrity will be preserved, for they have found the right way and walked in the straight and narrow way.  Integrity then is the way of wisdom.  

Those who are good people will be guided by honesty.  The upright will never turn aside and though  they would face many trials and temptations, they will be victorious.  

In contrast, those who care nothing for integrity are deceitful and dishonest. They are hypocrites, dealing secretly and deceptively in their transgression.  Perverseness indicates words uttered against God, and ungodly deeds and actions against man. This blatant disregard for the law will ultimately bring about destruction  

Note that the sincerity of the upright, guards them against dangers and assault, while the insincerity and untruthfulness of the treacherous brings the opposite; it destroying them.  We are often reminded that God will destroy transgressors.  They might think that they are secure but they are always vulnerable and open to the wrath of God. 

Verse 4.   “Riches profit not in the day of wrath…”

Riches have no real or inherent value. The day of death will usher those who depend on  riches into a period of wrath, for after death comes the judgment and that is a day of wrath. Once a person dies that is it, for there is no repentance in the grave.  Riches ceases to be of benefit.  

Eventually, there is coming a future day of judgment, in which the ungodly will face the undiluted wrath of God and their deeds of unrighteousness will receive their just reward.  In that day no amount of material wealth will be of any value.  No one will  be able to buy their way out of this situation.  Every man will now be dealing with a righteous God, or rather the righteous God will be dealing with them.  

Ill gotten gain and filthy lucre cannot pay for our transgressions and sin against a holy God; having despised and rejected the’ blood’ of Jesus, we have but one reward, the wrath of God.  

The day of wrath can in a limited sense refer to any day in which one receives chastisement for continued and unrepentant sin.  For the sins committed in the reign of Manasseh, God had pronounced an irreversible sentence of destruction upon Jerusalem , yet there remained hope for those who trusted in God.  But this phrase is generally used to refer to the time of God's vengeance.

( See Revelation 6:17.)  

 “That day [is] a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness,

 A day of the trumpet and alarm against the fenced cities, and against the high towers.

 And I will bring distress upon men, that they shall walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the LORD: and their blood shall be poured out as dust, and their flesh as the dung.  

 Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD'S wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land.” Zep 1:15-18.   

Before the final Day of Judgment arrives, there is only one route of escape and that is to repent and live a life of righteousness…“but righteousness delivereth from death…”   

When a city or country is under the wrath of God, the righteous among them may also be taken captive, yet they escape the ultimate wrath of God to come, by trusting in Him.

Only righteousness has meaning in that ‘Day’ and only righteousness has benefit that extend beyond the grave.  Proverbs 10: 28 expresses the same idea.

Verse 5.   The righteousness of those who are perfect or rather who have been made perfect in Christ will be on a way that is plain and straight. They have been freely justified by his grace and thus act in righteousness,.  They are on the right path, the highway to heaven, happiness and eternal life.  It was as if righteousness traces out for believers a good, moral and honest path, an excellent and gracious way to walk. “In the way of righteousness [is] life; and [in] the pathway [thereof there is] no death.” Pro 12:28   

The wicked however shall fall because of his wickedness; he has chosen and delights to walk in his perverse way, so he shall stumble and fall; he shall be snared by the traps he has laid for others.  Remember this happened to the enemies of Mordecai and those who tried to set a trap for Daniel.  The exact, same thing that they had constructed to destroy the righteous will itself be used by God to destroy them.  

But what of those who live wicked, ungodly lives, perverting justice and oppressing the poor and yet seem to flourish.  If a man should make it through this life without falling into his own snares, he will proceed no further.  For then the final judgment comes and he must give an account. He will be found wanting and then his wickedness will be seen to be the means of his ruin and destruction, into hell he will go.

Verse 6.   “The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them…” 

In the ultimate sense the righteous will be preserved from the wrath of God and so they will never perish eternally.

 Because they maintain their integrity and walk righteously they will not fall because of any wrong doing on their part and they shall also avoid many of the snares set by the wicked, because they have learned the way of wisdom.  The knowledge brought by wisdom delivers them from snares and dangers.  The righteous know that they should never turn aside into crooked ways.  

The wicked however, having laid a trap or a net for others, will themselves be naught in their own net; their plans will backfire and the wickedness that they had planned for others will fall on them.  See Proverbs 5: 22, 23, and also Psalm 7:15,16.  

Let us be plain.  Sinners are indulgent and are quite passionate and fixed in their indulgence and so it is expected that this will destroy them.  They are trapped by their evil desires and their greed.  

Common sense should tell us that it is better to do right always. Man is a ‘fallen’ creature and the flesh is constantly fighting against him.  He already finds himself in a pit from which there is no escape without the grace of God.  He must then heed the cry of wisdom as it calls out to him.

Verse 7.   The godless live under a tremendous illusion.  They think that earthly, material possessions and the rewards that the world offers are the highest possible attainments.  They might even think that their success in this world will guarantee success in the future world after death.  Some might even believe that they can carry their earthly goods with them to enjoy them after their death.  Unfortunately for them, the hopes of the wicked will take them no further than the grave, for his hope is not in God.  

His expectation of a longer life, of getting more riches, attaining to more honour, enjoying more pleasure here, having happiness hereafter and of being delivered from ‘the wrath to come’, will come to nothing. When he dies, he will find out that the expectations that he had had in this world were vain.  

Those that expect happiness in another world without having laid up treasures befitting that other world, will find that their beliefs have no foundation.  

In addition, when they die, the expectation of those that depended and trusted in them and looked for great things from them, will then be at an end.  

None of this world’s wealth, power or privilege will be of any use; it will cease to exist and his oppression of others will end.

“There the wicked cease [from] troubling; and there the weary be at rest.” Job 3:17   

There is a faith that does not add up to anything.  That faith will meet frustration and this will greatly aggravate the misery of the wicked, for when they expect benefit from their earthly wealth, and find none, their despair will be massive.  The expectation of the wicked will therefore be dashed to pieces and the thoughts that he had held onto and pleased himself with, along with his hopes, will vanish.

Verse 8.   “The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.”  

There are several ways in which the believer can be considered to be delivered from trouble.  Firstly, his integrity protects him from straying from the right path and humility shields him from the destruction of pride, thus he will not come to destruction by his own folly.  

Secondly, and this seems to be main sense here, the righteous will be delivered from the ungodly that plot to harm him; just as Haman was hung with the noose he intended for Mordecai or as Daniel who received divine protection from in the lions den and witnessed those that would do him harm, receive the fate that had been planned for him.  “…wicked cometh in his stead.”    

“So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king's wrath pacified.” Est 7:10   

“And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they cast [them] into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den.” Dan 6:24   

The structure of the verse reinforces the thoughts in verse 6 and the tenses make it clear that the one person will be delivered while on the other hand the opposite type of person will fall before the same danger. In addition we are reminded by one writer that the historical tense is used to express that this main truth is a fact based on history.  

The Antichrist and all the devils who continually seek to destroy us will themselves be destroyed by the power of God’s word at the brightness of his coming 2 Thes 2:8-9. Thus if believers are not delivered in this life; when the life of the wicked shall end, then they will be delivered once and for all from their wicked oppression.  

When the Scriptures state that this idea is supported by history, it does not mean that we will not see instances where the righteous suffer, while the wicked seem to escape from the suffering that they deserve.  

What we must remember is that divine justice does not always complete its activity in this world, but it does complete it eventually.   

The thought here however, is that as a rude destruction falls on those that are the enemies of God, while the righteous escapes the dangerous plots of the godless with the help of God.   

The scripture does not promise that the believer will always escape every snare laid for him, for we are guaranteed some suffering, for

“all who live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer…”

Yet we will experience the blessing and deliverance of the Lord in some form, but our ultimate and complete deliverance will come when Christ returns to receive his own.

Verse 9… The critically important advice the believer is now given, is that the they must always suspect, analyze closely and stand ready to reject the proposals, suggestions and ideas which come from those who are recognized as wicked.  

The godless are hypocrites, profane persons and in consequence they are resolved to do evil, for they are turned aside to evil and on a path that is far removed from the right  path.  

Believers therefore must exercise wisdom.   

The scripture describes the godless as speaking hypocrisies in lies, they seek to destroy people by their words.  The scripture is not silent concerning the trouble an unbridled tongue can cause.  

“Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!   And the tongue [is] a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.  For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; [it is] an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” Jam 3:5 -8  

There is no integrity in the mouth of those who speak hypocrisies.  Using all forms of lies, flattery, smooth words and eloquent speeches, they draw people into harmful schemes and practices.  The Targum renders this phrase ‘corrupts with false doctrine’.  

False teachers lie in wait to deceive, impose upon the simple, unsuspecting  and trusting, damnable heresies that bring swift destruction on men; and the antichrist and his emissaries in particular, through speaking lies in hypocrisy, corrupt and destroy many, 1Ti_4:1.  

There are many verses that teach us that the ungodly lack integrity in their speech .  Yet it is not the professed atheist whose speech is most damaging, but those hypocrites who mingle in the congregation of God’s people and speak out of the two sides of their mouth.  

For [it was] not an enemy [that] reproached me; then I could have borne [it]: neither [was it] he that hated me [that] did magnify [himself] against me; then I would have hid myself from him: Psa 55:12   

 [The words] of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war [was] in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet [were] they drawn swords. Psa 55:21   

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.  Mat_7:15; Mat_15:5-14; Act_20:30; 2Co_11:13-15; 2Th_2:8-10; 1Ti_4:1-3; 2Pe_2:1-3  

“but through knowledge shall the just be delivered;”  to be delivered from the hypocrite and the consequence of heeding their enticing words, one must have a sound knowledge of the Gospel, it is this knowledge that will shield us.  

It is certainly taught that the believer who has wisdom will be empowered to see through the evil schemes of the hypocrites and avoid them.

One writer elaborates.

“Through the knowledge of the Gospel, which the just man has; for as by this such escape the pollutions of the world, so likewise they are delivered, are kept and secured, from the error of the wicked: through a man's knowledge of himself, of his descent from Adam, of the corruption of his nature, of the plague of his heart, and the exceeding sinfulness of sin; of his lost and undone state; of his impotency to that which is good, of his incapacity to fulfil the law, and atone for sin; and of the insufficiency of his own righteousness to justify him before God; he is delivered and preserved from giving into the notions of the purity of human nature, the power of free will, and the doctrine of justification by works: through his knowledge of the person of Christ; of his offices and relations; of him as a Saviour; of the efficacy of his blood, the excellency of his righteousness, and the completeness of his sacrifice; and through the knowledge of God in Christ, and of the Spirit and of his operations of grace, as well as of the sacred Scriptures in general; he is safe from being carried away with any errors concerning any of the divine Persons, particularly concerning the deity, sonship, and satisfaction of Christ;”

Verse 10.   It follows therefore that morality is directly connected with the happiness and prosperity of the individual, the community, the city, or the entire society.  For when people ignore the will of God there will eventually be a decline in prosperity.

Even the unregenerate man retains some limited sense of good and evil, thus in a general sense when good overcomes evil, or a country conquers its enemy there is rejoicing.  

Now let us be clear on this. Bad people might not like the righteous, and might not like God and godliness, but in general they like having the righteous around and prospering, for they will benefit from the generosity, impartiality and fairness of the righteous. In the meantime they know that when the wicked are in power, these tyrants will oppress them.  

For the believer however the spiritual blessing are even more profound; when a righteous man is elevated to positions of authority and trust as Joseph and Daniel were, not only do they prosper but the city also will rejoice.  

“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.” Prov 29:2.   

There is rejoicing when a wicked ruler perishes, for it marks an end to his oppression.

“…and when the wicked perish”, there is shouting; as there will be great rejoicings, shoutings, and hallelujahs, when Babylon is fallen, Rev_18:20.  

Remember however that this is speaking about the truly righteous, not just people who profess righteousness, but who behave dishonestly and are in almost every respect just like evildoers.

Verse 11.   This verse confirms the previous verse, for it declares emphatically that the piety of the upright rulers would always lift up everything about the city or community, for the presence of the upright brings blessings.  

Corporate blessings abound when we heed and follow godly leadership, whose words are laced with wisdom and integrity.  In this context however it appears that a city receives a blessing as a result of the prayers and intercession of the godly; just as Abraham pleaded for Sodom (Gen 18:23-33).  

Either by his cursing, perverse language or blasphemies does a king bring the judgement of God against a city.   

But in general, even when the godless begin their rule doing good things, they are eventually overcome by their evil orientation and begin to oppress the people in sundry ways, acting in the self- interests of themselves and their families and friends. 

It is possible that the hypocrisy spoken by ungodly leaders is found out and hostilities rise, and those who were once called allies and now considered foes.  From the corrupt communication of men cities fall.

Verse 12.   Evil shows itself in the belittling of those in the community or city.  This belittling is really revealing contempt for others and this shows a lack of wisdom.  This will always lead to trouble and conflict in the city or in the community.  

Those who are wise and who have understanding will behave differently. Hence this advice is given and it is extremely valuable whether or not a person is ruling.   

In our closest personal communication, in that which takes place between ourselves and our neighbors, we must exercise wisdom.  When one despises another it is evident that hatred and not wisdom had filled his heart.

“O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” Mat 12:34   

There is not only contempt in the heart but this hatred soon fills ones mouth and proceeds to destroy others with words.  The man who is void of wisdom thrives only by bringing other people down, which he does by evil and contemptuous speech.  

It is the wise man, who though he may not be able to find much to be admired or praiseworthy in his neighbor, knows how and when to keep silent.  He does not boast that he is better, wiser or holier than his neighbor.  Nor does he derive pleasure at the expense of the simple and unwise.  

“A prudent, sensible man, hides those defects wherever he can, and puts the most charitable construction on those which he cannot conceal.”

Verse 13.   Another habit that is condemned relates to trustworthiness. Gossip and tale-bearing. is extremely damaging and this is a habit of evil people.  

A talebearer is a walking busybody, a trader in scandal; the Arabic version adds, in the congregation, openly and publicly.  Whatever was confided to him he is sure to publish abroad. The word means a hawker. They are always great newsmongers; and will tell even their own secrets, rather than have nothing to say.  

“a talebearer, he goes from house to house, and picks up tales at one place and carries them to another and tells them; and as by his going about he gets into the secrets of persons and families, or is entrusted with them, his character not being known, he reveals them to others, and so breaks the trust committed to him see 1Ti_5:13. The Targum and Syriac version render it "an accuser"; and the same name is given to the devil in the New Testament, and indeed such a man is no better.”  

“And withal they learn [to be] idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.” 1Ti 5:13   

The faithful man is he who can be trusted with his friend’s secrets.  What he has heard in confidence he will keep, concealing the matter.  He hides the infirmities of his friend and neighbor and does not expose them as the talebearer does.

“And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” 1Pe 4:8   

This does not mean that one condones known sin in the life of his friend, but will confidentially help them come to a renewed state of mind and receive forgiveness through repentance.  

The talebearer has no integrity.  He specializes in sowing mischief and discord, breaking trust and proving that he should not be trusted as a friend.

Verse 14.   There must be good rules to ensure unity, trust and mutual respect among the people, so that there would be cooperation, good direction and success.  

Wise words from godly counsel are indispensable, for without good instruction both individuals and nations alike will fall.   

The laws and decisions made by many competent and trustworthy men is generally better than the directions put together by a few persons acting in secret.  Divided interests are generally not good and counsellors drawn from different areas will generally represent the different points of view and make decisions that will impact profitably on the entire body of the nation.  

There is or will come a time that one requires the security and wisdom of many counselors; king David said of his counsel – “Thy testimonies also [are] my delight [and] my counsellors.” Psa 119:24   

but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety; because what one may miss another may hit upon; and, if they agree in their advice, it may be the more depended upon; and, if not, yet their different sentiments being compared together, and the reasons of them, a person may the better judge which is best to follow, and what course of action to take.  

Ones counsel must of course be godly men of integrity who can not be charged with offences mentioned in our text.

CONCLUSION

Note that these proverbs are teachings to promote wisdom and they contain instruction on how to develop the skills to deal with every kind of situation that life may throw at us.  It teaches us how to avoid the pitfalls and escape the snares that the enemy sets for us and how to skilfully and wisely resolve life’s issues.  

Today’s text dealt particularly with the area of integrity in our behavior and in our speech; what we say and how we say it.  It also deals with the serious problems that the tongue can create.   

The tongue can be a deadly weapon when yielded to the flesh and Satan.  But with  the spiritual man who exercises it in wisdom, it is a balm to heal and restore.  

We are warned against all forms of hypocrisy, lies and tale bearing.  The injunction extends to all form of corrupt speech, which includes false doctrine as well as malicious and harmful words that flow from the mouth of those who do not exercise wisdom and integrity in speech.   

This topic is as vital as all the other lessons in Proverbs, for the tongue left unchecked can wreak havoc in the church and the lives of God’s people.  

It must be remembered that when there are too few righteous, there will be problems. Those that profess righteousness are therefore taught how to behave.  Let us faithfully follow these teachings.