“The truthful lip shall be established forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment” (Proverbs 12:19).
The fundamental difference between wise (i.e., righteous) living and a foolish (i.e. unrighteous) lifestyle is encapsulated in the words “forever” and “for a moment.”
Foolish, unrighteous living is solely focused on the here and now. There is no thought given to the fact that you will have to reap tomorrow the guilt and consequences of today’s foolish decisions. You live for the moment. “How do I feel right now?” is a hedonistic approach to life which will result in a bitter harvest of regret on earth and in hell.
Wise, righteous living ever uses the fact of a forever existence as a measuring stick for today’s decisions. When the passing pleasures of sin are weighed in the balances of eternity, their innate superficiality can be clearly seen and then wisely resisted.
The foolish live for the moment. The wise live for forever.
How are you living?
