No harm overtakes the righteous, but the wicked have their fill of trouble.
A promise, this wise saying is also just a statement of truth. And, while He is not mentioned, God is clearly the basis of the whole concept.
This verse contrasts between “the righteous” and “the wicked.” It’s also a contrast of what happens to each.
Being “righteous” sets us up for positive things in our lives. In fact, they’re often just the natural outgrowth of decisions we make or the way we treat people.
On the other hand, being “righteous” connects us to God, His protection and empowerment. Of course, this isn’t a promise of no pain, just that the overall picture includes God’s plan and watch-care for His people.
But the opposite is also true. – “the wicked have their fill of trouble.” Again, so much of it is simply the natural outgrowth of choices we make and how we treat people.
And God is also active in the lives of the “wicked.” He doesn’t hate them, but has a better plan for their lives than they have charted for themselves. Like a loving parent, He’ll do what it takes to get their attention and show them a better way.
But remember – being “righteous” or “wicked” doesn’t stem from our actions but from our attitudes and relationship with God. He has a plan for each of us and our willingness to accept and go with it determines the kind of person we are.
And when we’re tired of being the “wicked” guy or gal, we can change our mind and be different. We don’t have to stay in the second half of the verse. The promise in the first part can be ours.
God’s got a better way! We choose…