The way of the Lord is strength to the upright

Why is the Lord’s way strong to the perfect? Scripture teaches us that the way of the Lord is firm, secure, and life-giving for those who walk uprightly before Him. We can say that everyone who is upright in the eyes of God and who remains faithful to His ways receives His reward in due time. God is not indifferent to faithfulness; He sees every act of obedience and every effort to walk according to His will. However, the one who refuses to live uprightly and rejects God’s guidance loses this great blessing that the Lord graciously offers to all who are faithful to Him.

The strength found in the way of the Lord does not come from human ability, intelligence, or effort, but from God Himself. Those who walk in His ways experience stability, direction, and spiritual security. In contrast, those who choose paths of disobedience may appear successful for a moment, but their foundation is weak and unstable. Scripture repeatedly emphasizes that true strength is found only in obedience to God.

The way of the Lord is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

Proverbs 10:29

This proverb presents a clear contrast between the upright and the workers of iniquity. For the upright, the way of the Lord is a source of strength, protection, and endurance. God’s commands do not weaken His people; they empower them. Obedience brings clarity and peace, even in times of difficulty. On the other hand, those who practice iniquity face destruction—not necessarily immediate, but inevitable—because they have rejected the very path that leads to life.

But what must we do to remain faithful before God? Scripture gives us a clear answer. We are called to do what is right, to live a life of obedience before God, and to practice His justice daily. Faithfulness is not merely a confession of belief, but a way of life. It involves loving mercy, walking humbly with God, announcing the good news of salvation, and glorifying God in everything we do, whether in word or in deed.

Living faithfully before God also means allowing His Word to shape our decisions and our conduct. Obedience often requires sacrifice, patience, and perseverance. Yet God promises that those who remain faithful will not walk alone. His presence strengthens them, His wisdom guides them, and His grace sustains them along the way.

The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.

Proverbs 10:30

This verse reinforces the idea of permanence and security for the righteous. Those who practice God’s justice and walk according to His will are firmly established. Their lives are rooted in God’s promises, and nothing can ultimately remove them from His care. In contrast, the wicked lack lasting security. Though they may prosper temporarily, their end is separation from the blessings God has prepared for the faithful.

Something that we must take into account is that everyone who practices God’s justice will always be on the right land and will dwell in the holy place of God. This does not merely refer to a physical location, but to a spiritual position of favor and communion with the Lord. But what about those who are not under His grace? Scripture teaches that they will not inhabit the land that God has prepared for those who have remained faithful to Him.

31 The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.

32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.

Proverbs 10:31-32

These verses shift the focus to the power of speech. The mouth of the righteous produces wisdom because it is guided by the fear of the Lord. Words matter greatly in the Christian life. What we say reflects what is in our hearts. The righteous speak words that build up, instruct, and bring peace. Their speech reveals discernment and sensitivity to what is pleasing to God.

In contrast, the tongue of the wicked brings forth corruption, deception, and harm. Careless and perverse speech reveals a heart that is not aligned with God’s truth. Scripture warns that such speech leads to consequences, because words have the power to destroy relationships, damage testimony, and dishonor God.

As believers, we must always speak with wisdom that comes from God. We are called to be firm, truthful, and gracious in everything we say. Our words should reflect humility, prudence, and reverence for God. In addition to this, we must remember that many people are observing our lives closely—how we speak, how we act, how we dress, and how we walk. For this reason, it is vital that we set a good example in every area of life.

In our time, we see that swearing and corrupt speech have become common and even fashionable, from the youngest to the oldest. This raises an important question: why are children speaking in this way? In many cases, it is because they are imitating what they see at home. When parents curse, steal, act aggressively, or engage in sinful behavior, children often follow the same pattern. Words and actions taught at home leave a lasting imprint.

Therefore, our responsibility as believers is great. We must do what is right before God and speak with prudence and humility before others, especially before those who are not yet walking in the ways of the Lord. Our conduct and speech should testify that we are faithful and prudent in the eyes of God. Through our example, others can see the difference that God makes in a life surrendered to Him.

For this reason, it is essential that we seek wisdom from above every day. God delights in granting wisdom to those who ask Him sincerely. This wisdom enables us to teach others, to correct with love, and to reflect the character of a righteous, true, and faithful God. When we walk in God’s ways, speak with wisdom, and live uprightly, the way of the Lord becomes our strength, and His glory is revealed through our lives.

God's promises come to all who believe in Him
Salvation belongs to our God

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