The knowledge of good and evil is not the same as righteousness. One may know all about good and evil and still not be righteous in thought, word or deed. The truly righteous one lives by faith in the One True God; knowledge can lead to wickedness. Only the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Saint James said, “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”
What is so attractive about God’s righteous ones? They have a quality of peace about them; the perfume of life rises from them; the mercy of God flavors all they say and do. With gentle strength their hands do good and their steadfast faith brings hope to the afflicted. Their reasonability and honesty is a harbor for the world-wearied soul. Behind all they do is the pure motive of love for God and for their neighbor. All they do and say brings life and points to the Tree of Life, the Giver of Life. Think about it.