Proverbs 11:16-21

16A gracious woman retains honor,
But ruthless men retain riches.
17The merciful man does good for his own soul,
But he who is cruel troubles his own flesh.
18The wicked man does deceptive work,
But he who sows righteousness will have a sure reward.
19As righteousness leads to life,
So he who pursues evil pursues it to his own death.
20Those who are of a perverse heart are an abomination to the Lord,
But the blameless in their ways are His delight.
21Though they join forces, the wicked will not go unpunished;
But the posterity of the righteous will be delivered.
-Proverbs 11:16-21

Proverbs reveals something very important about the human condition. It does not simply state that someone who does something wicked becomes wicked. Rather, because a man is wicked he does wicked things. The works of our hands are a result of the condition of our spirit. With that being understood, re-read the above passage and see the result of the inward condition.

Righteousness earns a just reward and wickedness a just punishment. We who are in Christ Jesus have a path that leads to righteousness, and for those who oppose have a path that leads to death. Likewise, the choices we make in our lives often reflect that physically as well. Perversity remains abominable to the Lord, but those who are without blame are delightful in His sight. If while we were still sinners, Christ died for us, what does that mean now for those who are His delight? Surely it is blessing that we can hardly comprehend. Praise the Lord who is our deliverance! Rejoice in the Lord who has changed your inward man! Delight yourself in Him Who delights Himself in you.