In Isaiah, chapter three, verse ten, “Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.” Isaiah was told to encourage those who remain faithful to God in the midst of an unrighteous people. Although now they might suffer for righteousness’ sake, it would ultimately go well for them, and God would richly bless them. To the wicked, however, God guarantees punishment.
Persecution will be the lot of all who seek to live in harmony with the Word of God for the sake of righteousness. Those who uphold God’s standard of truth, justice, and purity and who at the same time refuse to compromise with the present evil society or the lifestyles of lukewarm believers will undergo unpopularity, rejection, and criticism. Persecution and opposition will come from the world and, at times, from those within the professing church. When they experience this suffering, believers are to rejoice, for those who suffer most, God will impart the highest blessing.
Christians must be aware of the temptation to compromise God’s will to avoid shame, embarrassment, or loss. The principle of God’s kingdom never changes, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution,” as in Second Timothy three, verse twelve. Those who suffer and endure persecution are promised the kingdom and heavenly rewards.
The theme title, “Say ye to the righteous,” depicts how believers who desire to live the truth from God’s Word purely and joyfully will encounter various trials and tests, even though it may not make sense to them or have done any wrongdoing on their part. Remember, those who are ungodly are spiritually blind and do not know that Satan will use them against those who live godly to bring them down to sin.