In what ways can we promote righteousness to counteract contempt in society? Setting the Verse in Front of Us “With wickedness comes contempt, and shame is accompanied by disgrace.” — Proverbs 18:3 What Contempt Looks Like Today • Public shaming and cancel culture • Mocking of authority and tradition • Sarcasm that tears down rather than builds up • Cynicism toward anything good or pure Why Contempt Follows Wickedness • Wickedness rejects God’s standards; contempt naturally sneers at anyone who still honors them (Romans 1:28–30). • Shame tries to hide, so it lashes out, spreading disgrace to keep others at arm’s length (Genesis 3:10–12). • Sin breaks the bonds of neighbor-love, breeding scorn instead of service (Galatians 5:13–15). God’s Countermeasure: Righteousness “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people” (Proverbs 14:34). When we live uprightly—privately and publicly—contempt loses its footing. Darkness can’t mock what is flooded with light (John 3:19–21). Practical Ways to Promote Righteousness 1. Love the Truth • Fill your mind with Scripture daily (Psalm 1:2). • Refuse to bend facts for advantage; speak “the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). 2. Guard Your Words • “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is beneficial” (Ephesians 4:29). • Replace biting humor with gracious encouragement; it disarms contempt on the spot. 3. Show Honor to Everyone • “Honor everyone, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king” (1 Peter 2:17). • Simple courtesies—listening well, thanking service workers, respecting elders—remind a watching world that dignity still matters. 4. Practice Compassionate Justice • “Do justly, love mercy, walk humbly” (Micah 6:8). • Stand with the vulnerable, refuse partiality, give generously. Righteous action softens hardened hearts. 5. Model Humility • “Do nothing out of selfish ambition… consider others better than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3). • Admit mistakes quickly; repentance opens doors contempt keeps barred. 6. Build Community • Invite neighbors for a meal, volunteer locally, mentor the young (Hebrews 10:24–25). • Shared life turns strangers into friends, leaving little room for contemptuous distance. 7. Overcome Evil with Good • “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). • Respond to sarcasm with kindness, to accusation with gentle truth, to hostility with patient endurance. The Ripple Effect • One household choosing righteousness elevates a street. • One congregation choosing righteousness blesses a city. • A society touched by countless small acts of righteousness finds contempt losing its spotlight. Keep Your Eyes on the Promise “The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday” (Proverbs 4:18). Stay on that path, and watch contempt fade in the growing light. |
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