Proverbs 10:27-28 (ESV)
27 The fear of the Lord prolongs life,
but the years of the wicked will be short.
28 The hope of the righteous brings joy,
but the expectation of the wicked will perish.
The righteous fear the Lord. They have a healthy respect for God and his power to give and to take life. The wicked don’t share the same fear of God. They refuse to acknowledge his authority and rule over creation, and they feel qualified to set their own standard of right and wrong behavior. Even if a wicked person lives over a hundred years, her “life” is a trifle compared to the eternal life promised to the righteous. Those who fear and obey the Lord eagerly await the coming Day when everything will be made just right. This will be a time of great joy and continual rejoicing. If you belong to God, no matter how difficult this life may feel, this is the worst it will ever be for you. And if you haven’t turned to God through Christ in repentance and faith, your life on earth is the best you will ever get.