What does Proverbs 23:18 mean?

At times, sin seems attractive (Proverbs 23:17) and we're tempted by a fear of "missing out." That's how Satan tempted Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:1–7), and it's been a common struggle for humanity ever since (Psalm 73:2–3, 16–20). Of course, most sin brings with it risks of serious earthly consequences (Proverbs 8:33–36; 13:21). Worse, those who reject God in favor of sin gain only a fractional instant of benefit, followed by an eternity of suffering (Mark 9:43). The ungodly person has no hope.

The righteous—those who seek and follow God (Proverbs 1:7)—have enduring hope. Their future is bright. Believers have an inheritance in heaven that is secure, kept by God's power (Jude 1:24; 2 Thessalonians 3:3; John 10:28). When life ends for a believer, he or she enters the presence of Christ and receives an inheritance (2 Corinthians 5:8). The apostle Peter encouraged persecuted first-century believers with these words: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time" (1 Peter 1:3–5).