Malachi 3:18
“Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →In that coming day the people will once again see clearly the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.
What Does Malachi 3:18 Mean?
God answers the confusion of those who thought wickedness paid and righteousness was vain. 'Then shall ye return, and discern' -- a day is coming when the distinction will be plain again, the difference 'between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.' The fog of cynicism will lift, and the true outcomes of each path will be revealed.
This verse promises clarity where there had been confusion. In the present, the wicked seemed to prosper and the faithful seemed to gain nothing, but God assures His people that the day will come when the real difference shows. Serving God and rejecting Him do not finally lead to the same place, however things appear now. There is steadying comfort here for all who struggle to do right while watching others succeed by doing wrong. The accounts are not yet settled, but they will be. God Himself guarantees that righteousness and wickedness will one day be seen for what they truly are.