Ezekiel 18 - The Fruits of Righteousness
It just so happens that my pastor is going through the fruits of the spirit on Sunday mornings. Well, my study on righteousness has brought me today to Ezekiel 18, which “coincidentally” discusses the fruits of righteousness:
 5 “Suppose there is a righteous man
      who does what is just and right. 6 He does not eat at the mountain shrines
      or look to the idols of the house of Israel.
      He does not defile his neighbor’s wife
      or lie with a woman during her period. 7 He does not oppress anyone,
      but returns what he took in pledge for a loan.
      He does not commit robbery
      but gives his food to the hungry
      and provides clothing for the naked. 8 He does not lend at usury
      or take excessive interest.
      He withholds his hand from doing wrong
      and judges fairly between man and man. 9 He follows my decrees
      and faithfully keeps my laws.
      That man is righteous;
      he will surely live,
      declares the Sovereign LORD.
In more modern terms, this translates into a list such as the following:
- Does what is just
- Does what is right
- Is not tempted by idolatry or false religions
- Does not oppress anyone
- Returns collateral when a loan is repaid
- Does not rob
- Feeds the hungry
- Clothes the naked
- Lends fairly, to be of help, not to make money
- Refrains from sin
- Judges fairly between people
- Loves God and loves his neighbor
- Does what God wants him to do
Seems like a pretty good list. These aren’t commandments, and do not make a make righteous (well, obedience in itself does)… but they are signs of that man’s righteousness.
Another thing to note in this chapter is that righteousness is not inherited, nor are the rewards of it. I cannot earn my son’s salvation, nor can I keep him from it. However, I also know that if I raise him in the ways of the Lord, he will not soon depart… and that requires him to see my righteousness.
Earlier this week, my son saw my wife do something kind for a stranger, and it caused him to pause. He is nearly 8 years old. He said to her later on, “You know Mom, you and Dad are nice people.” And so is my boy.
So far, so good.