Proverbs 11:31-12:1 “If the righteous are recompensed on earth, how much more the wicked sinner! The one who loves discipline loves knowledge, but the one who hates reproof is stupid.”

Let’s take these in reverse order. The purpose of reproof, rebuke, or discipline should be instruction, and we should want instruction in our lives. We should desire to learn to do what is right! When we don’t do what is right, the consequences catch up with all of us, both the righteous and the wicked. No-one escapes! 1 Peter recognizes the seriousness of this, and considers the eternal perspective:

1 Peter 4:17-18 “For it is time for judgment to begin, starting with the house of God. And if it starts with us, what will be the fate of those who are disobedient to the gospel of God? And if the righteous are barely saved, what will become of the ungodly and sinners?”

The difference between the righteous and the wicked concerning eternal judgment is one word: Jesus! The righteous allow Jesus to take the penalty and consequences for their sins, but the wicked choose to pay the price for their disobedience.

2 Corinthians 5:20-21 “Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making his plea through us. We plead with you on Christ’s behalf, ‘Be reconciled to God!’ God made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we would become the righteousness of God.”