22-23 The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool, but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding. 24-25 What the wicked dreads will come upon him, but the desire of the righteous will be granted. When the tempest passes, the wicked is no more, but the righteous is established forever.

26 Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to those who send him.

27-30 The fear of the Lord prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be short. The hope of the righteous brings joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish. The way of the Lord is a stronghold to the blameless, but destruction to evildoers. The righteous will never be removed, but the wicked will not dwell in the land.

31-32 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut off. The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked, what is perverse. Proverbs 10:22-32 (English Standard Version)

There's a saying that goes “I don't know what the future holds – but I know who holds the future!” That well describes the theme running through today's verses. For example, see vs 24-25. There are times when even wicked people realize their future looks bleak. It could be that their past is catching up on them, or their reckless behaviour has ruined their marriage. On the other hand, those who seek to follow God's ways so often discover that He brings things together in a way that their lives are made richer through His blessing. Not the big bank account riches (although God can do that too) but the riches of the stability He brings to lives and families. What is one of the differences between righteous people and rebels that leads to God's blessing? (vs 22-23)

Whereas righteous people make the effort to understand God's teachings, the rebellious regard it as a joke. We see this contrast in the futures of God fearing people and God rejecting people again in vs 27-30. What does the word 'stronghold' convey to you?

I'd suggest that it speaks of security. Someone translated an old hymn that said “A safe stronghold our God is still”, with the words: “Our God stands like a fortress rock – with walls that will not fail us. He helps us brace against the shock – of fears that now assail us.” The hopes of righteous people lead to a joyful end that can't be taken from them. Look how the apostle Paul describes the security that those who love Jesus have. He says:

“Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow - not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. Indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:35-39) That's real security!

What about vs 26 then - is that a bit out of place? What if you compare it with vs 31-32, is there perhaps a link and a lesson there?

It could be that righteous people are known to be trustworthy. Even their words shows that they are wise. But who would trust a person known for perverse speech and lies with an important message or an important job? That's just one of the reasons why God fearing people have a better future than those who think goodness and wise living is just a joke. If Christ is in our life through faith then we need not fear what the future holds. One of the last things Jesus said to His followers was: “Be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20