Text: Proverbs 11:19-21 (ESV)   19 Whoever is steadfast in righteousness will live, but he who pursues evil will die. 20 Those of crooked heart are an abomination to the Lord, but those of blameless ways are his delight. 21 Be assured, an evil person will not go unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will be delivered.   THE BLAMELESS ARE HIS DELIGHT   It is an accepted norm that God rewards righteous living with life but inflicts death on those who lead a wicked life. Those who pursue truth, goodness, kindness, and mercy are more likely to be respected and helped by others, while avoiding the natural consequences of evil and selfishness (see Prov 10:24; 11:6, 17). However, this does not mean that they won’t suffer tragedy and loss and for evil people not to prosper (see Psalm 73:1–3).   Evil people are evil from the heart.[Matt 5:19] Solomon depicts the human heart as "crooked," meaning "distorted." Even Jeremiah does corroborate, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick."[Jer 17:9] In fact, all have gone astray and turned away from God. We have wandered away from God's truth the way sheep stray from their shepherd. [Isa 53:6, Rom 3;23]   Hence, the consequences for sin are guaranteed for those who ignore God (see v.21; Prov 10:16, 28). There is one important note we need to consider. Scripture acknowledges that godliness in earthly life does not come with an absolute promise of health and prosperity (see Psa 4:1–3; 73:1–3). However, the result of honoring God here on earth typically leads to more earthly safety and blessing (Psalm 112:2; 103:1-7] God delights in the blameless.   The absolute fulfillment of this truth is in trusting Christ and His righteousness clothed upon us [2 Cor 5:21; John 10:10]. Paul says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."[Rom 6:23] Throughout his Christian life, Paul maintained self-control so that would not become disqualified in the Christian race but would receive an imperishable prize (1 Cor 9:25–27). Thus, before he died, he triumphantly says "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day." [2 Tim 4:7–8]   Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast ------------------------- Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram