The way of the LORDis strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
The verse is one of the wise sayings of Solomon, belonging to a manual of practical rules of life for everyday duty to God, to family, to neighbor and to friend. It sets forth Jehovah as creator and governor of the universe and disposer of human destinies, rewarding piety and punishing evil, so that every life is to be measured by its standard of moral and religious duty. The upright are those who faithfully serve God and live in modesty, chastity, temperance, forbearance, gentleness and industry, while the workers of iniquity are those who refuse reproof and correction.
The way of the Lord is strength, a stronghold and source of safety, life and protection to the upright and obedient, but destruction awaits those who do evil and practice iniquity, so that the same way becomes ruin to the disobedient. Destruction here means utter ruin and complete annihilation, the ultimate destruction and punishment of the wicked. It therefore shows that the penalty of sin is death and destruction rather than eternal misery.
In the setting of verses 28-30, this contrast shows that the wicked will not inhabit the new earth, while the Lord's people will inherit the land and dwell there. As the upright travel the Lord's way, they find in it strength to continue through perplexities, difficulties and dangers. Past failures in duty are no reason for discouragement, for the upright are to confess them to God, seek His help, and try again, trusting the strength He promises in the Lord's way.
The verse is one of the wise sayings of Solomon, belonging to a manual of practical rules of life for everyday duty to God, to family, to neighbor and to friend. It sets forth Jehovah as creator and governor of the universe and disposer of human destinies, rewarding piety and punishing evil, so that every life is to be measured by its standard of moral and religious duty. The upright are those who faithfully serve God and live in modesty, chastity, temperance, forbearance, gentleness and industry, while the workers of iniquity are those who refuse reproof and correction.
The way of the Lord is strength, a stronghold and source of safety, life and protection to the upright and obedient, but destruction awaits those who do evil and practice iniquity, so that the same way becomes ruin to the disobedient. Destruction here means utter ruin and complete annihilation, the ultimate destruction and punishment of the wicked. It therefore shows that the penalty of sin is death and destruction rather than eternal misery.
In the setting of verses 28-30, this contrast shows that the wicked will not inhabit the new earth, while the Lord's people will inherit the land and dwell there. As the upright travel the Lord's way, they find in it strength to continue through perplexities, difficulties and dangers. Past failures in duty are no reason for discouragement, for the upright are to confess them to God, seek His help, and try again, trusting the strength He promises in the Lord's way.