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This proverb compares the eternal fates of the upright with the wicked. Keeping in mind that proverb means parable or an earthly story with a spiritual meaning we therefore recognize this is speaking in an eternal or spiritual sense. Upright and just people will suffer their share of afflictions, sickness and calamities so this too tells us we cannot interpret the proverb in a literal sense. When one becomes saved they are safe and secure for eternity with Christ because He has paid for their sins and no one can pluck them out of the LORD's salvation:
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." (John 10:27,28).
The second part of our proverb tells us that the wicked will be filled with mischief. Perhaps a better or more literal translation than mischief is trouble. The wicked are filled with trouble in that they have no Saviour that has paid for their sins. Although this is a situation of despair and tragedy, today is still the day of salvation should the unrepentant heart turn and hear His voice:
"We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things." (2 Corinthians 6:1-10).
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