July 6, 2026 -- Proverbs 13:6 -- Spiritual guardrails in your life

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Righteousness guards him whose way is blameless,
but sin overthrows the wicked. Proverbs 13:6 ESV
 
Dear brothers and sisters in our Lord Jesus Christ, as you read Proverbs with me, you’ll see how verses from previous passages, placed next to current passages, can bless the reader and give deeper clarity on what was written. For example, as you read today’s passage, you might ask how is it that righteousness guards him whose way is blameless? Solomon wrote “keep your father’s commandment” and “forsake not your mother’s teaching” (6:20) then he added:
When you walk, they (your father’s commandments/your mother’s teaching) will lead you;
when you lie down, they will watch over you;
when you awake, they will talk with you. (Proverbs 6:22 ESV)
 
All of us have a “soundtrack” running through our brains. It is the constant narrative of approval, disapproval, disappointment, bad self-talk and so on. What does the Word of God do? It is instruction in holiness, a.k.a. righteousness which is Spirit-fueled holiness acted our in our daily life. Righteousness is the clothing of Jesus’ perfect obedience given to us when He took our sin, our guilt, our past and our shame and was punished for these at the cross. Righteousness is the desire then to go where the Spirit leads us as we live in obedience to Jesus.
 
Think of how often you lie down on the couch to watch a movie which is violent, or contrary to God’s Word. Or spend hours gaming while your children are missing out on precious time with dad or mom…or worse, learning by your example to game and shut out the world. The commandments of God and the teaching of your mother when these are heard and put into practice lead you in the way of life in Christ.
 
Of course, I know I have readers who did not, or do not have godly fathers or mothers. Then the reference goes to the person, or people God placed in your life who are serving in their stead. Your spiritual father, or your spiritual mother, the ones who led you in the way of God, their instruction in the ways of God will be clear direction in life.
 
Think about how radically your life changes if you were to listen more closely to the words of life given to you in the Bible! It is righteousness that guards you in the way that is blameless. It is righteousness that shines like the dawn, bringing more light as the day progresses, drawing others to the light of Christ radiating outwards from the Spirit’s presence in you.
 
Father in heaven, thank You for the righteousness that is mine in Christ. Thank You for the wholesome work of the Spirit, Who is guarding me in the way that is blameless. Forgive me for the times I chafe against the cords of Your lovingkindness and push against the guardrails of Your protection around me. Mighty God, fill my thoughts, to fullness and overflowing, with the awareness of Your majesty, Your goodness, Your love, Your compassion, so that I will always want to be, and will always be guarded in my every step with You. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/CmNXeReZqAg?si=_djfMS2p2Mr-U4c- Be Still My Soul
 

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