Proverbs 12:5 declares: “The thoughts of the righteous are just, but the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.” Like many Proverbs, this verse gives a striking parallel between the righteous and the wicked. Most of us would undoubtedly tend to think of ourselves in the former category: “the righteous.” But are we? Look at what the verse teaches us about “the righteous”:

It says that “The THOUGHTS of the righteous are just.” A truly righteous person, in the eyes of God, doesn’t merely DO right, or speak justly. Even his THOUGHTS are just!  This should put an end to any pretensions of righteousness for any of us. IF you were ever tempted to think that you were really “righteous” on your own merits, this certainly obliterates that idea! If you are righteous, according to God’s standards, then even your THOUGHTS are just. Can you say that is true for you? Or do you have selfish, lustful, jealous, angry, or inappropriate thoughts in your mind?

If the latter is true (and most of us would admit that it is!) then we need to admit that we are not “righteous” in our heart and mind according to God’s standard. We are unrighteous, and and we need a Savior. Thankfully, a Savior is just what God has provided for everyone who admits their lack of righteousness and who turns to Jesus for forgiveness and salvation!