TREASURES OF THE BIBLE, Week of August 25-31, 2025, Differences between the righteous and the wicked, Prepared Speech.

TREASURES FROM GOD'S WORD, August 25-31, 2025, Differences between the Righteous and the Wicked, Prepared Speech.

Differences between the righteous and the wicked (10 mins.)

The Bible teaches us that there are two kinds of people in this world: the righteous and the wicked. While the wicked are characterized by their lack of integrity and pursuit of personal interests, the righteous strive to live according to the principles of justice and morality.

In this sense, it is essential to understand the differences between these two groups and how their lifestyle affects their well-being, as well as their relationship with God and others.

The wicked live in fear, but the righteous feel confident.

LET'S READ PROVERBS 28:1

“The wicked flee when no one pursues them, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.”

This confidence is due to the righteous exercising faith and fully trusting in God's word, which allows them to progress in their service to Jehovah despite any danger. Their confidence is not based on their own strength, but on God's promise and faithfulness.

This gives them the strength and courage to face any challenge that comes their way in life, knowing that God is with them and will guide them every step of the way.

The wicked cannot judge matters well, but the righteous can make better decisions.

LET'S READ PROVERBS 28:5

“Evil men cannot understand righteousness, but those who seek Jehovah can understand all things.”

Those who turn away from God and choose transgression as their path begin to neglect Him in their decisions and plans. This allows their hearts to deceive them, blinding them to the error of their ways and causing them to lose insight, which in turn leads them to make mistakes and suffer the consequences of their actions.

Even though they claim to worship God, they place human precepts above those of God and justify their lax behavior as mere play or something unimportant.

Over time, they become perverted and brutalized, becoming foolish in their reasoning, to the point of claiming that God does not see or discern their evil conduct. In reality, their conduct and actions say, "There is no Jehovah," and they take Him for granted.

Because they are not guided by divine principles, they cannot judge matters correctly or see things clearly. This prevents them from making sound decisions and leads them to live in a kind of spiritual darkness, without understanding what is truly important in life. As a result, their lives are filled with anxiety and fear, and they fail to find the peace and happiness they seek.

A righteous poor person is better than a wicked rich person.

LET'S READ PROVERBS 28:6

“It is better for the poor to live with integrity than for the rich to follow corrupt ways.”

In a world where wealth and power are often considered the measures of success, this verse challenges us to reevaluate our priorities. Integrity is what truly matters in life, not wealth or power. The key to maintaining integrity lies not in our own moral strength, but in exercising deep faith and trust in Jehovah and his saving power.

By trusting in God, we can find the stability and security we need to face life's challenges. God's promise is that He will act as a "shield and fortress" guarding the path of those who walk in integrity, protecting them from the dangers and traps of the world. This gives us confidence that, as we follow the path of righteousness, we are under God's protection and care.

Although, as Job said in a moment of perplexity, the guilty may suffer because of the wicked man's rule and die with him, we must not lose faith in God's justice and power.

Jehovah assures us that he takes into account the lives of the blameless and guarantees their continued inheritance, a peaceful future, and the possession of good things. This gives us the assurance that, even though circumstances may seem unjust, God is always working to protect and bless those who strive to live with integrity.

Illustration

A poignant example is shown in the image in our activity guide: a brother who, despite sitting on the floor of a cell, prays looking up, full of confidence. His faith and trust in Jehovah are what gives him the strength to maintain his integrity, even in such difficult circumstances.

Like Job, this brother demonstrates that integrity is what gives us the strength to face life's challenges with confidence and hope. As in Job's case, being a man of integrity—not wealth—is what makes a person truly valuable and worthy of respect.

Conclusion

The difference between the righteous and the wicked is fundamental in the life of a Christian. While the wicked focus on their own interests and desires, the righteous seek to live according to divine principles and please Jehovah. Integrity is the key to living a righteous life, and as Jehovah's Witnesses, we strive to maintain it in all areas of our lives.

True wealth and true worth are not measured by material possessions, but by one's relationship with God and integrity of heart. The choice between living as a righteous person or a wicked person is up to us.

We can choose to follow the path of righteousness and integrity, or we can choose to follow our own desires and passions. The reward for living a righteous life is great, and Jehovah promises to bless and protect those who strive to live according to his principles.