Proverbs 10 - The Righteous And The Wicked Compared Series

25 When the whirlwind passes by, the wicked is no more, But the righteous has an everlasting foundation. Proverbs 10:25 (NKJV)

Those things that we think are permanent here on earth can be swept away in an instant. A tornado can wipe out a lifetime of worldly possessions. But the righteous have an everlasting foundation. This is a fact and a promise.

26 As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, So is the lazy man to those who send him. Proverbs 10:26 (NKJV)

If you employ a lazy person you are in trouble. It will be nothing but an irritant to you. The Message Bible says it this way:

“A lazy employee will give you nothing but trouble; it’s vinegar in the mouth, smoke in the eyes.” Proverbs 10:26 (MSG)

27 The fear of the Lord prolongs days, But the years of the wicked will be shortened. Proverbs 10:27 (NKJV)

Fear the Lord and follow His ways and you will have a long life. Live in rebellion of Him who knows your name and your days will be shortened.

28 The hope of the righteous will be gladness, But the expectation of the wicked will perish. Proverbs 10:28 (NKJV)

Not only will the righteous have a long life but there “will be gladness”. It is one thing to have life – it is another to have a quality life. God can provide both.

29 The way of the Lord is strength for the upright, But destruction will come to the workers of iniquity. Proverbs 10:29 (NKJV)

The way of the Lord gives strength – those who are workers of iniquity will be met with destruction.

30 The righteous will never be removed, But the wicked will not inhabit the earth. Proverbs 10:30 (NKJV)

The righteous can depend on a permanent home. The Bible tells us:

“For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” 2 Corinthians 5:1 (NASB)

31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, But the perverse tongue will be cut out. Proverbs 10:31 (NKJV)

Wisdom is in the words of the righteous for they practice and follow the Word of God.

32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, But the mouth of the wicked what is perverse. Proverbs 10:32 (NKJV)

Words speak what is in the heart. I pray for a clean heart – I hope you do too. A warning is given to us in Matthew chapter twelve – it says:

"By your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." Matthew 12:37 (NASB)

What words are you saying? One of the greatest promises found in the Bible is found in the book of Romans which says:

“If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.” Romans 10:9-10 (NASB)

These verses show plainly that the words that we speak and the attitude of our heart has a definite impact on where you and I will spend eternity. Have you confessed Jesus as Lord? Do you believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead? These are the conditions for salvation. What you do – is up to you.