Tense Time

(Proverbs 2:21 KJV)  For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it.

We see two verbs with two different senses of time.  On the one hand we have the now.  The “upright” (3477) will “dwell” (live NASB) (7931).  The NASB has a marginal reading of “dwell.”  This brings to mind the NT idea of abiding.  That is a promise for today.  God is with us.

We will also “remain” (3498).  To get the context you need to look at the next verse where you find that the evil have been pulled up by the roots and cut off.  This tells me that there may be some rough sledding ahead but when the bouncing and sliding stops we will still be on board.  That is a promise for tomorrow.  God will be with us.

So?  This is the promise that if it is raining you will be on the high ground and the sun will come out tomorrow.  Rejoice and be glad.