Proverbs 14 and 15: Works vs Grace

(So here our story takes a little turn.  As you may remember, or not, this foray into the Proverbs began with an invitation from my uncle on Facebook, open to the whole family to share in reading one chapter a day for all of January (Wouldn't be a bad idea in any month with thirty-one days, jes sayin')and then to share out thoughts on the Clan Facebook page.  But after my last post for chapter ten i think, my uncle and i got into a bit of a conversation about the meaning of the proverbs which was really about the meaning of the gospel.  How are we saved?  Do we need saving?  Or do we just need help?  You may notice my commentary becoming more  pointed from here on out.)  

14

"Fools mock the guilt offering,

but among the upright, it is favorable." 9

"There is a way that seems upright to a man,

but its end is the way of death." 12

"He who saves souls is a witness of truth,

but he who utters lies is a betrayer.

In the fear of YHWH, there is confidence of strength,

and for his children, there will be refuge.

The fear of YHWH is a fountain of life,

in order to turn from the snares of death." 25-27

15

"The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination of YHWH,

but the prayer of the upright is His delight." 9

"From the light of the eyes, the heart will rejoice,

and good news will enliven the bones." 30

"Fear of YHWH is the instruction of the wise,

and before honor comes humility." 33

Are our deeds and righteousness the means of our salvation? The price we pay to enter heaven? The way we earn the favor of the Holy, Holy, Holy God? The thing we point to and say, here, here is my worth before You; You required perfection and i have brought it.

Or are they the result? Are they the gratitude and love naturally flowing from the heart of a slave set free? A lost soul given hope? A prisoner of sin, unable to stop himself, unable to help himself, now made a son of God by adoption through Jesus Christ's sacrifice on his or her behalf? Clothed in the beautiful robes, not of their own filthy rags of "righteousness" but of Jesus'! The only one who met God's standards.