“Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.”
-Proverbs 11:4

“The wicked earns deceptive wages, but the one who sows righteousness gets a sure reward.”
-Proverbs 11:18

“In the path of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death.”
-Proverbs 12:28

These three verses emphasize the definite reward of righteousness.  This is something we must constantly be reminded of, for while the full payoff for righteousness is still to come, the full payoff for worldliness can be had now.  It is a natural part of the Christian life to see the world prospering and to wonder if pursuing righteousness is even worth it (see Psalm 73).  But God is frequently reminding us in his Word that it is.  We must look to the end of all things.  We must look upon this world not with natural but spiritual eyes.

Righteousness is true wealth, for it delivers us from wrath (Proverbs 11:4).  Wickedness gives what appears to be a good reward, but the reward of righteousness is definite and lasting (Proverbs 11:18).  Living righteously gives life and moves us out of death (Proverbs 12:28, John 10:10).  Sowing to the Spirit means reaping eternal life (Galatians 6:7-8).