January 13

So you will walk in the way of the good
and keep to the paths of the righteous.
For the upright will inhabit the land,
and those with integrity will remain in it,
but the wicked will be cut off from the land,
and the treacherous will be rooted out of it.
Proverbs 2:20-22

This is the final part of a section that envelopes all of chapter two. It is a summary of the value of wisdom and an overview of how wisdom changes one's lifestyle, one's principles, and one's associates.

Verse 20 describes the way of wise living. Those with wisdom "walk in the way of the good." Their character and their conduct is connected with what is morally excellent. They travel the roads "of the righteous," following the signposts that lead to God's accepted standard with others who are headed in the same direction.

Verse 21 identifies some of the advantages to wise living. Those conforming to God's law "will inhabit the land;" those walking in moral soundness "will remain in it." This is a picture of security, stability, and success. There is great gain in going God's way.

The contrast is provided in verse 22 with the "wicked" and the "treacherous." This group will experience loss and destruction. They will find themselves in God's disfavor, under His discrimination, and ultimately on their way to eternal destruction. Going against God is never a profitable course.