Solomon makes no apology for the wicked and their lifestyle. In fact, his choice of words leaves no doubt about what they do and how to recognize them.
For example: “A man cannot be established through wickedness; the advice of the wicked is deceitfulness; the words of the wicked lie in wait for blood; wicked men are overthrown and are no more; men with warped minds are despised.” And, in the end: “The Lord condemns a crafty man!”
However, the righteous: “cannot be uprooted; the plans of the righteous are just; the speech of the righteous rescues them; the house of the righteous stands forever; the house of the righteous stands firm.” And ultimately: “A good man finds favor with the Lord.”
It is most interesting to note that the wicked have a completely different approach to life than the righteous. They have a single focus. Whatever they do begins with the question: “How will what I am doing benefit me?” This opens the door to being deceitful and dishonest, being cunning and waiting for the right moment to take advantage of the weak, uninformed, less educated, those looking for someone they can trust to help them, the vulnerable.
When we look at the righteous, we see the exact opposite: what they do is steadfast, open, will stand the test of time and God’s scrutiny, and they want to be just and fair as God is just and fair. Whatever they do, ultimately, will be right and just in the eyes of God and man.
The final reward? God’s blessings or condemnation. What are you living for?
Prayer: Lord, how we live and how we get what we have reflects our attitude toward and our relationship with You. May what we do always honor You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture For Today: Proverbs 12:7 The wicked die and disappear, but the family of the godly stands firm.
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