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I. WHO ARE THE RIGHTEOUS?

1. Negatively.

(1) Not the self-righteous, who have a high opinion of themselves. It cannot be well with them, for they deny the sacrifice of Christ by which sinners are constituted righteous.

(2) Not those who deny the necessity and importance of good works (Romans 6:1, 2).

2. Positively. This leads to a very affecting truth, namely, that all by sin are unrighteous. Observe —

(1) Every true believer is righteous according to the covenant of grace (Romans 5:1; Romans 4:3, 23-25; Romans 5:18, 19).

(2) They have an inherent righteousness wrought in them by the Holy Spirit. They are "born again" — "renewed in the spirit of their minds," and are new creatures in Christ Jesus.

(3) They declare by their conduct that they are righteous. "They love mercy, do justly," etc. They "have their fruit unto holiness," etc.

II. WHAT IS THEIR HAPPINESS? "It shall be well with him."

1. Their present state of justification, etc., already described, proves this: they are free from guilt and condemnation. "Blessed is the man whose transgression is forgiven," etc. This freedom gives hope and is the precursor of blessedness to come.

2. They have a good conscience (Hebrews 9:14; Hebrews 10:21, 22; 2 Corinthians 1:12).

3. They enjoy all the pleasures of true religion, arising from the possession of Christian graces — the enjoyment of Christian privileges — and the performance of Christian duties.

4. It shall be well with them in all adverse circumstances.

5. In death, the period when the presence of God is most needed.

6. At the resurrection. "They that have done good shall come forth to the resurrection of life."

7. At the judgment day (Malachi 3:17).

8. For ever in heaven. They shall be "with Christ."

(Homilist.)

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KJV: Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.

WEB: Tell the righteous "Good!" For they shall eat the fruit of their deeds.