MARK THE PERFECT MAN
“Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace. But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off.” Psalm 37:37, 38
We are instructed in this verse to watch, or pay attention to, a certain kind of individual. The word “mark” means “to observe or to take heed to.” What kind of person are we to carefully watch? The Bible tells us to keep an eye on the “perfect” or “upright” man. The word “perfect” is not referring to what we would consider sinless perfection, for if that were the case, none would qualify.
In reality, our perfection or completion is found first in our position in Christ through His grace. There is no righteousness outside of Jesus Christ. The word “perfect” means “one who is pious, undefiled, sincere, or upright.” The “perfect” man is the man that knows the Lord and is seeking to sincerely live his life in accordance with God’s Word and His will. He is upright in heart, as well as in word and deed. The Word of God says that if we will watch that man, we will see that “the end of that man is peace.” This is important for us to understand.
What will be the result of faith and obedience? Does it pay to be a sincere Christian? Sometimes the devil wants to make us doubt whether walking with and serving God is worth it. The Bible says, “mark” that man, for you will see that his end “is peace.” The way of the godly man will be characterized by peace. Now, there will be times when our way is difficult. Sometimes our commitment to our faith may cause us to be criticized or attacked. Standing for God and the truth may mean standing alone.
Opposition sometimes comes to those who are willing to be numbered with the righteous. However, the Bible encourages us to keep watching the sincere and devoted Christian because his end will be “peace.” He may be attacked or reproached, but his “end” will be peace. This is also very true when you think of the “end” of our earthly pilgrimage. We will then go to the place of eternal peace. It is likewise true when you think of the “end” of persecution or trials. It may be difficult to endure times of hardship, but at the end there will be “peace.”
Contrast this promise with the next verse, which declares, “the end of the wicked shall be cut off.” Don’t ever believe the lie that says that the wicked have it better. They are headed for eternal destruction.