Evil Pursues the Wicked; Good Rewards the Righteous

Proverbs 13:21 presents a moral law as immutable as gravity: "Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repaid."

Consider mankind in three capacities. First, as a universal community: only religion—a sense of justice and moral distinction—separates humans from beasts. Reason divorced from moral obligation merely sharpens our capacity for mutual destruction. But reason united with moral obligation becomes the secret of human happiness.

Second, examine nations and governments. Lasting happiness depends upon the practice of righteousness and virtue. Justice, order, truth, and fidelity secure societal welfare. Where these prevail, nations flourish; where they fail, societies crumble.

Third, observe individuals in private life. Even a solitary person discovers that lasting happiness flows only from righteousness, charity, temperance, and universal virtue. Consider health, riches, honour, and inward peace—virtue triumphs absolutely without competitor in these domains.

Yet sinners deceive themselves through a fatal expectation: concealment ensures impunity. They commit transgression despite conscience's remonstrance, quieting their apprehensions through self-deception. Many secretly hope that Elohim will neither observe their sin nor exact vengeance. This is profoundly false. No sin passes without recompense. The pursuit of evil catches the transgressor—it seizes him at last and wrings out its penalties. Conversely, righteousness guarantees that good shall be repaid, both in this life and hereafter.