Proverbs 10:27-29

27The fear of the Lord prolongs days,
But the years of the wicked will be shortened.
28The hope of the righteous will be gladness,
But the expectation of the wicked will perish.
29The way of the Lord is strength for the upright,
But destruction will come to the workers of iniquity.
-Proverbs 10:27-29

The war between wickedness and righteousness becomes very pressuring to us when we take our eyes off of the rewards of the actions. Most wickedness results in temporary "rewards" but eternal consequences. It is a trade we forget that we are making. Walking in righteousness is not always easy, but the rewards are everlasting. Walk according to the fear of the Lord and you will do well. Walk apart from it, and you may find out why you should have.

Hope is a major theme in Scripture. Though you may now suffer for a little while, the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us (Rom. 8:18). Keep your hope upon the Lord and eagerly await the reward that will be revealed in you. Keeping this in mind, stay yourself from wickedness that you would not be hindered by it. May the way of the Lord be strength to you as you walk uprightly.