A Great Benefits Package

by Bryan Gibson

March 13, 2009

We won’t find a better benefits package anywhere. Choose to walk in the path of righteousness, and these are just some of the benefits we will receive.

It is a pleasant path to travel. “Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace” (Proverbs 3:17). The marriage relationship, home life in general, relationships with others—these become much more pleasant when we follow His wisdom.

It’s the best thing we can do for our children. “The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him” (Proverbs 20:7). Lois and Eunice were a great blessing to Timothy, because they chose this path (2 Timothy 1:5). The same could be said for Zacharias and Elizabeth, John the Baptist’s parents, who walked “in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless” (Luke 1:6). We do our children a great disservice if we choose any other path.

We won’t find better traveling companions anywhere. Traveling companions can make or break a trip, and when we travel the path of righteousness, we’ll be traveling with the finest people in the world. Think of it as a family trip, because we’ll be going with a bunch of mothers and fathers and sisters and brothers (Mark 10:28-30).

We can walk this path with complete integrity. “He who walks with integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will become known” (Proverbs 10:9). To get to where we want to go on this path, we don’t ever have to lie, or cheat, or take advantage of anyone.

Walking along this path enables us to sleep soundly at night. “When you lie down, you will not be afraid; yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet” (Proverbs 3:24). We can sure sleep soundly, when we know that all is well with our soul, when we know that if we don’t make it through the night, we’ll be in a better place.

Walking God’s path ensures us of God’s help. “He is a shield to those who walk uprightly; He guards the paths of justice, and preserves the way of His saints” (Proverbs 2:7-8). “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16). We’re on our own if we choose to walk in another path.

It is a brightly lit path that grows brighter and brighter. “But the path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day” (Proverbs 4:18). It may not seem that way in the beginning, because we don’t yet see all the benefits. This path may even seem a bit restrictive; we may feel like it’s “cramping our style.” But the longer we stay on it, the brighter it gets. Just ask any older Christian, who has been on this path for many years.

It is the only path that leads to eternal life, to eternal joy and gladness. “In the way of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death” (Proverbs 12:28). The Book of Isaiah describes this path as the “Highway of Holiness” (Isaiah 35:8), and says that those who walk on it will “come to Zion with singing, with everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away” (Isaiah 35:10).