Doing what is right so others are not polluted

Proverbs 25:26 (ESV)
26 Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.


This proverb speaks of the righteous person who falls to sin. Public sinful actions grieve some and lead others to corruption. Giving into sinful action before the wicked discourages good men and further pollutes the sinful man.


The Mosaic Law was given so that man could understand his sinful actions. Without a gauge for sin man could not even begin to understand the depths of his sin. So the law made sin evident. Man now had the knowledge whether to choose sin or choose righteousness. The Apostle Paul says this in Romans 5:18-21, “Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous. God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant. So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” We have a choice to do what is right and just or a choice to follow sin. But sin leads to grief and corruption which pollutes others and gives those who continue to sin justification to continue in their sin. Therefore we should love Christ enough to protect His good name by reflecting His righteousness to others.