1 Corinthians 15:34 English Standard Version (ESV) Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame.

1 Corinthians 15:34 King James Version (KJV) Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.

Yesterday’s offering ended with; “This is about getting it right, not being right.” That comment might need a little explaining. While studying about righteousness these verses came up and it seems appropriate to address specific references here.

While the KJV uses the term righteousness, the ESV addresses the failures of seeing what is right and just. That comes down to being under the influence. That does not mean being drunk as some might think but ungodly influences can and do keep us from seeing the truth in what matters to God.

This goes beyond common definitions of knowing the bible and addressing the issues of who God is as we are taught. This is a personal relationship in which God is allowed to correct our thinking and reveal those things which must change in us in order to know and do His will.

Psalm 33:5 English Standard Version (ESV) He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord.

Psalm 37:28 English Standard Version (ESV) For the Lord loves justice; he will not forsake his saints. They are preserved forever, but the children of the wicked shall be cut off.

So often we think of justice as punishment for the offender and in our zeal we are just with out mercy. We are told over and over again it is God who repays injustice and yet some often see themselves as God’s instrument of vengeance. We are not, we are the instruments of His love.

We do not get to choose who deserves God’s grace.

2 Timothy 2:15 English Standard Version (ESV) Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved,^[a] a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

Footnote a; That is, one approved after being tested

When taking a test, are we allowed to grade our own exams? No, and so it is within this kingdom life. How well we are doing in rightly handling the word of truth is scored in two ways. The first is in how we treat others and the second is in exposing our doctrine to others. Of the two, the first is the more important. It is always best to love first and ask questions later.

When the term “our doctrine” is used it might not be immediately apparent that we have a doctrine but that is merely our belief system that is developed over years of study. Studying the Word alone will not expose our understanding to our instructors, pastors, and teachers. Being confident in our understanding does not mean we have it right. We need to expose our beliefs to others.

Not so long ago it was mentioned that wise counselors are given these works for review and correction where needed. The selection of wise counselors is never performed in a vacuum. They can only prove themselves to be trustworthy by being involved in our lives. If they cannot make time to get involved with us, trust cannot be established.

Proverbs 15:22-23 English Standard Version

²² Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.
²³ To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!

Do not seek counsel only with those who agree with you at every turn. Do not rely upon only one adviser. This is about getting it right, not being right.