Righteousness Works

(Proverbs 10:16 KJV)  The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.

The NASB is not the best here

(Proverbs 10:16 NAS77)  The wages of the righteous is life, The income of the wicked, punishment.

The NASB gets you here in the margin.  It says that the word “labour” which it translates, “wages,” could also be understood as “work.”  It doen’t say “literally” it says “or.”  The definition of the word gives both options.  What is the difference?

From the NASB you would get the idea that the righteous receive the gift of life.  Okay.  I can accept that as being true but I don’t think that is the point here.  I think Solomon is trying to remind us that righteousness has responsibilities.  Jesus called us salt.

(Matthew 5:13 KJV)  Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

We have a job to do, not to earn our righteousness, but to apply our righteousness.  Why does someone go to medical school?  It is to get a degree and a title?  That is a waste.  The purpose of the degree and title is to apply the knowledge in healing, works applied. 

So?  We need to go out and make a difference.  Speak.  Live.  Demonstrate.  The world will wonder what is wrong with you.  The Holy Spirit will use the opening.