This verse could mean a few different things. First of all, it definitely implies that there is a judgement outside of this earth. I first took it to mean that on this earth, it often seems like the wicked prosper more than the righteous, but in the judgement to come, the righteous will finally receive their reward, and the sinners will receive their judgement. Another spot in the scripture that talks about earthly rewards versus heavenly rewards is Matthew 6. One spot being Matthew 6:1-2.
Matt 6:1-2
1 "Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.2 "When therefore you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.(NAS)
The other possibility that this proverb could signify is that the righteous get some reward on earth for their good deads, but the unrighteous get part of their punishment here on earth. The reward of the righteous is to come more often after the judgement, and the punishment for sin more often is seen in this life as well as the next. This second possiblility is the opinion of Matthew Henry in his commentary, and both could be possible meanings of the verse. It's hard for me to say for sure which it might be.
In either case, one thing remains true: the reward of the righteous may come early on occasion, but the bulk of the reward comes later. This should be an encouragement to believers to pursue righteousness and a closer walk with God, as we can look forward to a reward at Jesus' second coming.
The other possibility that this proverb could signify is that the righteous get some reward on earth for their good deads, but the unrighteous get part of their punishment here on earth. The reward of the righteous is to come more often after the judgement, and the punishment for sin more often is seen in this life as well as the next. This second possiblility is the opinion of Matthew Henry in his commentary, and both could be possible meanings of the verse. It's hard for me to say for sure which it might be.
In either case, one thing remains true: the reward of the righteous may come early on occasion, but the bulk of the reward comes later. This should be an encouragement to believers to pursue righteousness and a closer walk with God, as we can look forward to a reward at Jesus' second coming.
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