The Blessing Of The Upright

When we struggle with the decision of doing right or wrong, we often times think in the context of ourselves. In other words, we ask , “How will this decision affect me?” We think about the implications that it has on our lives and not too often what it might mean to others. Maybe it’s time we start thinking outside of ourselves. Maybe we need to begin looking at the “bigger picture”. Our decisions in life can at times affect those around us as well. Proverbs 11:11 says this, “By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.” There may be times that by our righteous living and prayerful petitions, that God may bless those around us. We see a perfect example of this as Abraham pleaded with God not to overthrow the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 18). He asked God over and over if He would spare them if there were so many who were found as righteous in the city. His last request with God was that God would spare them if there were 10 righteous found. God was willing to do this, although we later find out that there were not even 10. The point is that God was willing to spare an entire city for the sake of 10 righteous people. Maybe it is today that God is willing to prolong His judgment of this world on behalf of a few who are trying to live righteous before Him. May this awareness of others help us to live a life that can be a potential blessing to not only ourselves, but also to those around us.