Proverbs 21:3 “To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.”
It is important to know the “right” definition of words in order to understand “truth”. There is a concerted effort to redefine “words” in an effort to distort the true meaning or original intent in order to justify change in thought or direction. Take even the word “right”. You may have heard someone says: “What is right for you may not be right for me, and what is wrong for you may not be wrong for me.” Is that right? You have to understand all the definitions of the word, because one specific statement using the word can be manipulation in order to justify wrong decision-making, sinful desires or criminal behavior contrary to a set standard.
The word “right’ is properly defined in the original dictionary of the English Language in 1828 by Noah Webster as; strained; stretched to straightness; hence,
1. Straight. A right line in geometry is the shortest line that can be drawn or imagined between two points. A right line may be horizontal, perpendicular, or inclined to the plane of the horizon.
2. In morals and religion, just; equitable; accordant to the standard of truth and justice or the will of God. That alone is right in the sight of God, which is consonant to his will or law; this being the only perfect standard of truth and justice. In social and political affairs, that is right which is consonant to the laws and customs of a country, provided these laws and customs are not repugnant to the laws of God. A man's intentions may be right, though his actions may be wrong in consequence of a defect in judgment.
3. Fit; suitable; proper; becoming. In things indifferent, or which are regulated by no positive law, that is right which is best suited to the character, occasion or purpose, or which is fitted to produce some good effect. It is right for every man to choose his own time for eating or exercise. Right is a relative term; what may be right for one end, may be wrong for another.
4. Lawful; as the right heir of an estate.
5. True; not erroneous or wrong; according to fact. If there be no prospect beyond the grave, the inference is certainly right, "let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die."
6. Correct; passing a true judgment; not mistaken or wrong.
7. Not left; most convenient or dextrous; as the right hand, which is generally most strong or most convenient in use.
8. Most favorable or convenient.
9. Properly placed, disposed or adjusted; orderly; well regulated.
Proverbs 14:12 “ There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”
We see that definition number Three and Eight is where a “right for you, but not for me” statement pertains, but only in things indifferent, or which are regulated by no positive law, that is right which is best suited to the character, occasion or purpose, or which is fitted to produce some good effect. There is a qualifier and boundary to the definition, and definitions 1,2,4,5,6,7 & 9 refer to other issues and circumstances (definitions 3 & 8 do not pertain there). Sin is never a qualifier for "right". In the ultimate conclusion, what is “right” is according to the law or will of God, or to the standard of truth and justice; as, to judge right. The Founding Fathers of America knew and understood that the Creator of the heaven and the earth, including all that live and breathe, was their sovereign Maker and Lawgiver, who defined what is “right”. Righteous is defined as: that which is Just; accordant to the divine law. Applied to persons, it denotes one who is holy in heart, and observant of the divine commands in practice; as a righteous man. Applied to things, it denotes consonant to the divine will or to justice; as a righteous act. It is used chiefly in theology, and applied to God, to his testimonies and to his saints as that which is “right” in the eyes of God, their Lord. Psalm 150:6 “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.”
Noah Webster continued that “right” means: Conformity to the will of God, or to his law, the perfect standard of truth and justice. In the literal sense, right is a straight line of conduct, and wrong a crooked one. Right therefore is rectitude or straightness, and perfect rectitude is found only in an infinite Being and his will. “Right is the just claim by sovereignty; prerogative. God, as the author of all things. He alone has a right to govern and dispose of them at his pleasure. This is one thing that we have to get right.
In Christ, Brian
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