Walking with the Wise #129: Laws to Live By

“No ill befalls the righteous,
but the wicked are filled with trouble.”
—Proverbs 12:21

There are certain fixed principles or laws by which our world is governed—both physical and spiritual. A physical law, such as the law of gravity, is obvious. But spiritual laws operate on a different plane entirely. While physical laws are instantaneous, spiritual laws are not necessarily so. Some spiritual laws become apparent over time. Just like rain on a newly planted field—rain might fall and grow the plant, but the results of that growth will not be seen for some time.

One such spiritual law is the law of sin. Sin, no matter how small or how big, has consequences. The consequences may affect a great many people or simply one person. The consequences will definitely be internal, and possibly external. But one thing is definite—there are consequences to every single sin—without exception.

Today’s passage teaches us that no ill will befall the righteous. Not that there will not be suffering, troubles, trials, or tribulation—nor that there won’t be pain, problems, or persecution. That’s not what this passage teaches. This passage teaches us that if we continually walk with the Lord, we will not suffer the devastating consequences of sin. The righteous are contrasted with the wicked, who are continually filled with all kinds of trouble—i.e., the consequences of their sin.

God desires that we not give ourselves over to sin—not even for a moment! He desires us to pursue holy lives that are honoring in His sight with the promise that He will be our rock, our defender, and our ever-present help in time of need! He is the only one who can satisfy us and He is the only one through whom we can have lasting peace and abundant joy!

Take time today to surrender yourself to our Savior! Throw away any sin that hinders your holiness and let God be your satisfaction, in the sure promise that no ill will come your way, but only that which is good and pleasing in God’s good sight (cf. Romans 8:28). Amen.