These passages say, “A wicked messenger falls into adversity, but a faithful envoy brings healing. Poverty and shame will come to him who neglects discipline, but he who regards reproof will be honored. Desire realized is sweet to the soul, but it is an abomination to fools to depart from evil.”
The Bible characterizes those who do not believe in God and do not live by God’s Word as foolish or wicked. Those who believe in God and live by God’s Word are deemed righteous. These passages highlight differing traits of each group. First, the wicked and foolish non-believers produce adversity and contention around them. Whereas, faithful believers promotes harmony and healing. They control their anger and bring peace to contentious situations.
Secondly, a wicked person rejects good counsel and discipline. They stubbornly cling to their own viewpoint and perceive no wrong in their behavior. Whereas, a righteous person will accept reproof when they have done wrong. They are receptive to changing their behavior as necessary. They listen to good counsel and are not closed minded. Furthermore, they repent of sin in their life and desire to walk rightly before God. The Bible says that God will honor them for this.
Thirdly, a wicked person will not depart from evil. Walking rightly before God is repugnant to them because they are given over to their sins. Satan has imprisoned them, and they have no desire to break free. However, a righteous person has been set free from Satan’s bondage. Evil is repugnant to them, and they hunger for righteousness. The Bible says, they will be filled. Their realized desire will be sweet to their soul.
