"Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favor" (Proverbs 14:9).

The proverbs are designed to bring stability to those who heed them. These wise sayings cover many subjects; one of which is God's attitude toward those who are "righteous."

Righteousness is an attribute of God. But as far as man is concerned, "There is none righteous, no, not one" (Romans 3:10). Thus, for man to receive God's gift of righteousness, he must receive the righteousness that is found in Christ. God favors us because He favors His Son, the righteous God. Therefore, "among the righteous there is favor."

1. God favors the righteous with security. "The root of the righteous shall not be moved" (Proverbs 12:3). We are secure because we are rooted in Christ.

2. God favors the righteous with spirituality: in his mind--"The thoughts of the righteous are right" (12:5); in his mouth--"The mouth of the righteous man is a well of life" (10:11); on his tongue and lips--"The tongue of the just is as choice silver. . . . The lips of the righteous feed many" (10:20-21); in his desires and hopes--"The desire of the righteous is only good" (11:23). "The hope of the righteous shall be gladness" (10:28); in his soul--"The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish" (10:3).

3. God favors the righteous with a shining testimony. "But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day" (4:18).

4. God favors the righteous with spiritual fruit. "The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise" (11:30).

5. God favors the righteous with eternal life. "In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death" (12:28). NPS