What’s the secret to a peaceful future? God’s Word shares many insights. As one example, let’s review Psalm 37:37 in depth:
“Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.” (King James Version)
“Consider the blameless, observe the upright; there is a future for the man of peace.” (New International Version)
- Perfect – Hebrew word “tam” meaning complete, whole, upright, perfect, innocent, sincere, undefiled, blameless, having integrity, sound, wholesome, plain, mild, placid, harmless.
- Upright – Hebrew word “yashar” meaning straight, level, even, right, just righteous, pleasing, agreeing; doing what is right in God’s sight.
- End – Hebrew word “acharith” meaning latter, end, posterity, reward, latter end, latter time, the latest days, future. The thought was of a man rowing a boat – he backs into the future.
Perfect / Blameless – One’s past
Having a past marked by completeness and innocency; nothing hidden or contestable; above reproach; no regrets or surprises; nothing unconfessed to God or man; no intentional problems – not perfect, but blameless. “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)
Upright – One’s present
Having ongoing, daily habits that are above reproach while not creating any bad habits; operating in integrity and uprightness at all times; doing what is pleasing in God’s sight; not giving anyone any reason to doubt or question your actions, motives, or intentions. “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.” (Colossians 1:10) “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:1-2)
End – One’s future
The end result is a peaceful future with God and man; no reason to fear or be afraid of who knows what about you; who is watching, who is present; living without fear of discovery or disclosure. “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day.” (Psalm 91:1,5)
