Safe

DEVOTION
PROVERBS
SAFE
Prov 11:31
31 If the righteous receive their due on earth,
how much more the ungodly and the sinner!
NIV
Here is where I might depart from the traditional view that could be taken here. I think it could be read as if the righteous are going to either receive a portion of punishment and the wicked a greater portion here on earth during the course of life. It could also be read as though the righteous might receive a portion of reward here, and the ungodly will get a far greater form of God’s wrath here. But as I look at the Hebrew I see it could be something more than that. The Hebrew reads, “Behold the righteous in the earth will be( safe in mind body or estate) much more the wicked and the sinner”. That safe in mind part is where the rub is for me. The scholars say that is recompenced or due, but it is the word “Shalam” one of the derivatives of the Shalom meaning peace with God. So I have to see this as the righteous will be safe in the earth far greater than the wicked will. The how is not there. I will be safe, in mind, body, or my estate in the earth much more the wicked will. This is more of a commentary then a devotion I think, but sometimes I just have to say thing out for my own understanding, as prompted by the Spirit. Could I be wrong in this, as the scholars are scholars and the theologians are theologians and I am just me, neither a scholar nor a theologian? Nor am I that versed in the Hebrew language, and its intricacies. But this is a root word, to be safe; it is only by extension that it is used as reciprocated. So I am stuck with what I see, as enlightened by the Spirit, rather than what I am told to see as expounded by men. I will be far safer in the earth than any wicked person. God looks over me, protects me, and guards me against the assaults of the evil one. I do not think I can say the same for the ungodly and wicked. They are left to they own defense against Satan, which of course they have already lost, surrendered or have been captured and enslaved. I have been given God’s armor. I have his shield of faith with certainly extinguishes all the assaults, the flaming arrows of the evil one. I have nothing to worry about from him, God is my shield, his is my fortress, his is my defense and my offense against any and all attempts to kill me off. I am safe!