Proverbs 11:19-21 (ESV)
19 Whoever is steadfast in righteousness will live,
but he who pursues evil will die.
20 Those of crooked heart are an abomination to the Lord,
but those of blameless ways are his delight.
21 Be assured, an evil person will not go unpunished,
but the offspring of the righteous will be delivered.
The righteous will experience eternal life, while the wicked, who chase down opportunities to fulfill self-seeking desires, will be separated from God now and forever. God dwells with those whose hearts are blameless. Oh, how we all need mercy and grace to be found guiltless before the Lord! He promises that those who live outside of his design for human behavior will experience wrath, but his favor rests upon those who have cast themselves upon Jesus, trusting in his work upon the cross. Sadly, many fail to see their need for redemption. They honestly believe that if they end up before God’s throne, they will be deemed “good” and granted access into heaven based on their works. Pray that God would reveal how short you fall when it comes to his standard of perfect righteousness, and yet know that if you are in Christ today, God sees you as spotless. What a reason for joy!