The Bible teaches that humanity is divided into two distinct categories: the righteous and the unrighteous. This distinction is not based on human merit or achievement, but rather on one's relationship with God and their adherence to His commandments.
What is Righteousness?
Righteousness is the state of being in right standing with God, characterized by obedience to His laws and commandments. It involves living a life that is pleasing to God, marked by justice, morality, and compassion.
What is Unrighteousness?
Unrighteousness, on the other hand, is the state of being in opposition to God's laws and commandments. It involves living a life that is contrary to God's will, marked by sin, injustice, and immorality.
Examples of Righteousness vs Unrighteousness
1. Noah vs the Wicked Generation (Genesis 6-9)
Noah's obedience to God's command to build an ark saved him and his family from the flood, while the wicked generation that refused to repent perished.
2. Abraham vs the Cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18-19)
Abraham's faith and obedience to God's promise led to his being counted as righteous, while the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed due to their wickedness.
3. Moses vs Pharaoh (Exodus 1-14)
Moses' obedience to God's command to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt resulted in their deliverance, while Pharaoh's refusal to let them go led to his downfall.
4. David vs Saul (1 Samuel 16-31)
David's trust in God and his refusal to harm King Saul, despite Saul's attempts to kill him, demonstrated his righteousness, while Saul's disobedience and attempts to murder David showed his unrighteousness.
5. Job vs his Friends (Job 1-42)
Job's patience and trust in God despite his suffering demonstrated his righteousness, while his friends' accusations and lack of compassion showed their unrighteousness.
6. The Prophets vs the Kings of Israel (2 Kings 17, 2 Chronicles 36)
The prophets' calls to repentance and their warnings of judgment demonstrated their righteousness, while the kings' refusal to listen and their continued idolatry showed their unrighteousness.
7. The Rich Young Ruler vs the Poor Widow (Mark 10:17-31, Luke 21:1-4)
The rich young ruler's refusal to sell his possessions and follow Jesus demonstrated his unrighteousness, while the poor widow's willingness to give all she had to God showed her righteousness.
8. The Pharisees vs the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14)
The Pharisees' self-righteousness and lack of humility demonstrated their unrighteousness, while the tax collector's recognition of his sin and his plea for mercy showed his righteousness.
9. The Sheep vs the Goats (Matthew 25:31-46)
The sheep's acts of kindness and compassion towards others demonstrated their righteousness, while the goats' lack of concern and refusal to help showed their unrighteousness.
10. The Wise Virgins vs the Foolish Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13)
The wise virgins' preparation and readiness for the bridegroom's return demonstrated their righteousness, while the foolish virgins' lack of preparation and refusal to repent showed their unrighteousness.
Conclusion
The Bible teaches that righteousness is not based on human achievement, but rather on one's relationship with God and their adherence to His commandments. The examples listed above demonstrate the contrast between righteousness and unrighteousness, and serve as a reminder of the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God.
