Proverbs 2:21

The book of Proverbs gives us a lot of instruction on a lot of different subjects. One subject that can keep us in God’s wisdom is Godly Follower-ship. Who we follow; where we follow; how we follow are all spoken about in Proverbs. Here is one of them about the benefits from being upright: 

Proverbs 2:21 (ESV)

For the upright will inhabit the land,

and those with integrity will remain in it,

Solomon gives many advantages to following God and obeying His Word.  He is clear in his writings that the "Fear of The Lord" is a good path in life.   In this proverb he is quick to point out that obeying God will provide material blessings, as well as spiritual.   It is letting us know that the "upright" (those who obey and fear God) will "live" in the land.   They will not only "live" in the land, the second line says they will "remain" in it.   So, obedience to God gives comfort and stability.   We all claim that from God.   Those who reject God and disobey His Word will find that they lack security and comfort.    God wants to give us blessings.  Although many of them are "spiritual" in nature God will provide "material" blessing.  God gives many things for obeying Him.  He wants to bless us.  He wants to put is in the "land" and provide the means to "remain" in it.  Don't think that your obedience is for naught.   God sees it and will provide the material needs we need (Matthew 6).

These two proverbs may be the essence of much of God's word. The redemption story is God's word and the provision of God for those He redeems is a vital part of that story. God has promised blessing (both here and in the future) for those He redeems. We should not serve God for blessings but we should believe that God will provide blessing, defined in many different mediums, as we walk with Him. The "upright" (the "redeemed") are going to be blessed by God ... at some point. We can rejoice in that blessing and realize that God's redemption at Christ expense came with the riches of glory attached. On the other hand the story of God's word is as equally about those who lose out on His blessings. They WILL be uprooted and they Will be cut off. As sure as God's word is true both have equal part in the story of redemption; the story of God's plan.