Treasures of Wickedness Profit Nothing: The Eternal Reckoning

Our deepest self-deception concerns the nature of this world and the next. We treat the present as though it shall never end, and eternity as though it shall never begin. Yet Solomon's proverb cuts through both illusions with surgical precision.

Treasures of wickedness—wealth acquired through dubious or unjustifiable methods, or applied to unhallowed purposes—appear formidable in the present life. Riches seem to accomplish much. Yet they cannot restore health to the languishing, ease to the tormented, nor life to the dead. Therefore, stripped of their fair appearances, they profit nothing. They bring no solid happiness, no joy upon which the immortal soul can confidently repose itself, no strength to endure trials in adversity.

But consider eternity. The hour approaches when all must confess before an eternal God: riches are useless.

Righteousness, by contrast, delivers from death. For the Jews, this meant ceremonial and meritorious observance. For us, it means first the imputation of Christ's perfect dikaiosyne (righteousness), which justifies us, and second, our own actual righteousness as its necessary consequence. The righteous man accepts Christ's salvation, submits to the Holy Spirit's leading, and labours daily in simplicity and godly sincerity to combine a holy life with a humble, contrite heart.

This righteousness—rooted in Christ's sacrifice and bearing fruit in obedience—alone delivers from death's dominion.