Proverbs 11:21 – Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished, but those who are righteous will go free.

Flip Wilson, if memory serves, was the one who said the title words, and it was pretty funny when he said them back in the day. But putting a current spin on that phrase brings a different feel to them, especially in light of the attached scripture. The world has become split into factions of “we” and “they”. And no matter whose side you are on, there is someone to tell you how wrong you are. So how do we recognize which are the righteous and which are the wicked? Words go only so far, especially when what we witness by actions is diametrically opposed to those words. And how do we keep ourselves from judging to determine righteous from wicked? First and foremost, do not judge as the world does, pointing fingers and shouting. All that does is stir up more dirt and create havoc. Use the example of Jesus’ life of peace, loving and caring for all, saint and sinner alike. Second, we have to know the Lord, carrying Him and His words in our hearts and minds each and every step we take. That is our safety net, protecting us as nothing else can and opening our eyes to truth and discernment. Last but not least, allow the Lord to carry our burdens, including when we fall short. Drop those sins like hot potatoes at His feet and move on. The world is going to have sin and degradation but it does not have to darken our spirit. God will be calling to account every single soul that ever walks this planet. He will judge us all. Then everyone will know Who is the true judge.