In Romans 5:77For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. (Romans 5:7) we read, “Scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.” This verse might seem to be a bit puzzling at first, and we might wonder what the difference is between being righteous and being good. Do the two words not have a similar meaning?
When we approach the Word of God, we must often deduce the meaning of words from the way Scripture uses them and by the context in which they are used. This does not mean that we can interpret Scripture any way we wish, or place a strange construction on the words used by the Spirit of God. But “the things of the Spirit of God” are “spiritually discerned” (1 Cor. 2:1414But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Corinthians 2:14)), and we must discern the meaning of God’s Word in this way.
In Romans 5:7,7For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. (Romans 5:7) the word “righteous” has the thought of being totally upright, honest, and exact in one’s dealings with others, and this perhaps includes one’s outlook towards God as well. It does not mean that the individual necessarily has a relationship with God: He may be trusting in his own righteousness to assure him of God’s favor. Yet still, as to human standards, he may be righteous. However, this type of individual tends to hold others to the same standard as he himself operates under. Let others fail in some aspect of righteousness, be it ever so small, and he is quick to point it out, and perhaps to condemn them for it. People may respect and admire such an individual, but often do not feel any warmth or love towards him. They may actually feel a bit uncomfortable in his presence, thinking that perhaps they will say or do something that will bring down a rebuke.
On the other hand, the word “good” in this verse goes beyond merely being righteous. It includes righteousness, but the individual is not “righteous over much” (Eccl. 7:1616Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself? (Ecclesiastes 7:16)) and does not pick at others for small slips in righteousness, courtesy or good manners. He is upright himself and is not casual towards sin, but also treats others with grace and love, perhaps passing over certain things, in the spirit that “charity shall cover the multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:88And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8)). This kind of individual will not only be respected, but also loved. As Romans 5:77For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. (Romans 5:7) tells us, men would be more willing to sacrifice themselves for one who was good than for one who was righteous.
Both Righteous and Good
Where does all this leave us with a man like Job? Was he merely righteous, or was he good as well? I would suggest that the book of Job shows us that he embodied both characteristics in what he was before men and also before God.
First of all, it is evident that Job was a righteous man, although ultimately his three friends accused him of being unrighteous and a hypocrite. Job himself maintains his righteousness to his three friends, and he could say to them, “Now therefore be content, look upon me; for it is evident unto you if I lie. Return, I pray you, let it not be iniquity; yea, return again, my righteousness is in it. Is there iniquity in my tongue? Cannot my taste discern perverse things?” (Job 6:28-3028Now therefore be content, look upon me; for it is evident unto you if I lie. 29Return, I pray you, let it not be iniquity; yea, return again, my righteousness is in it. 30Is there iniquity in my tongue? cannot my taste discern perverse things? (Job 6:28‑30)). While Job said those words himself, we have no reason to suggest that he was lying or even exaggerating about himself.
More than this, and much more important, we have the Lord’s testimony as to Job’s character, for the Lord could say to Satan, “Hast thou considered My servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?” (Job 1:88And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? (Job 1:8)). It is noteworthy that Satan, who is today “the accuser of our brethren” (Rev. 12:1010And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. (Revelation 12:10)), does not attempt to refute God’s statement about Job. There is no question that Job was a righteous man.
However, I suggest that we have evidence that he was also a good man. A righteous man, and especially one who is rich, is often disliked, if only because of the natural man’s innate hatred of superiority. Yet Job had friends, three of whom came and visited him, sat with him, and talked long with him. They were truly his friends, and the Spirit of God calls them his friends throughout the book of Job.
More than this, Job himself bears witness to his goodness to the poor and to the way he used his wealth to help others. His friends accused him of oppressing the poor, but Job could say, “I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him ... and I caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy” (Job 29:12-1312Because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him. 13The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy. (Job 29:12‑13)). Again, we have no reason to conclude that this was untrue, or even an exaggeration. He could also say, “The stranger did not lodge in the street: but I opened my doors to the traveller” (Job 31:3232The stranger did not lodge in the street: but I opened my doors to the traveller. (Job 31:32)). This was certainly going above and beyond how many would act, for to admit a stranger into the house is indeed being a “good” man.
The Lord Was Not Pleased
I believe that in Job’s character we can see both righteousness and goodness, as the Word of God uses those terms in Romans 5:77For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. (Romans 5:7). Yet there was still something major in his life with which the Lord was not pleased. God’s ways with us are often beyond our understanding, and Job, good man though he was, had a lesson to learn that only the Lord could teach him.
I would make only one final comment. One may be both righteous and good, yet still be disliked by many. In order to get the perfect perspective on anything, we must bring Christ in, and when we consider our blessed Master and Lord, we find that He displayed perfect righteousness and perfect goodness in His life. Yet He could say, “The world cannot hate you; but Me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil” (John 7:77The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil. (John 7:7)). This world likes perfect righteousness and goodness, but it does not like to be reminded of its lost condition and its need of a Savior. Such was the heart of man, displayed when God sent His beloved Son into this world.
W. J. Prost