Proverbs 2:21
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For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it.
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Righteousness has a reward (Is 58:1-11)! God promises longevity, peace, and safety to good men. They will be established in their place and have a happy existence. They will remain long after others have been removed. The reward is in great contrast to the judgment of the wicked spoken of in the next verse (2:22). And this contrast is only magnified in eternity, as the righteous will enter into eternal rest and untold pleasures.
The context of this proverb is Solomon's warning to his son about the danger of wicked men (2:10-15) and whorish women (2:16-19). He instructed and taught his son in order to save him from those terrible companions, to guide him into the way of good men, and to keep the paths of the righteous (2:20). In the proverb before you, Solomon is explaining why the paths of good men are desirable paths - they have much peace and prosperity.
Jehovah delivered His chosen people Israel out of Egypt, and He gave them the land of Canaan for an inheritance, rooting all their enemies out of the land before them (Gen 15:18-21; Deut 7:1-3). But the Promised Land was given to them on the condition of their obedience. Rebellion and sin would cause Him to take it away (Lev 26:1-46; Deut 28:1-68). Any man of Israel understood this proverb in a very profound and powerful way.
Longevity, peace, prosperity, and safety are the blessings of God upon the righteous. These rewards are mentioned often in Proverbs by Solomon and as well by David in the Psalms (1:33; 3:2,13-18; 4:10; 9:11; 16:7; 28:2; Ps 37:3,9,11,22,29). A happy life with good days is obtained by obeying the Lord, especially by ruling your speech and treating others kindly (Ps 34:12-16; I Pet 3:10-12). Righteousness brings blessings (Is 3:10)!
Consider God's first commandment with an attached promise. He demands that children honor their parents, which is much broader than mere obedience. It means to exalt parents and treat them with special reverence at all times, even in thoughts, speech, facial expressions, and support (20:20; 30:17; Deut 27:16; I Tim 5:4,8). But look at the reward for honoring them - a good life and a long life (Eph 6:2-3)! Reader, believe this today!
The "Midas touch" refers to a foolish legend. But the story of Job is inspired history! God put a hedge about him to bless all that he did and had, because he was a righteous man that feared God (Job 1:1-5,10). And even though God tested Job severely, He blessed him with more in the end - there is truly a reward for the righteous (Job 42:10-17; Jas 5:11).
But the greatest reward is future - dwelling forever in the land of heaven (Heb 11:8-16)!
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