What does Proverbs 10:24 mean?

This contrasts two very different results of living wickedly versus living righteously. The wicked live in fear of punishment for their evil deeds, whereas the righteous can look forward to the rewards of blessing and God's approval.

In an earthly sense this is like the warning given a few verses ago (Proverbs 10:12, 22). It's also expressed in prior passages from the book of Proverbs (Proverbs 6:27–28; 10:2, 9). Those who deal in evil and lies, by necessity, put themselves at risk of being found out, or subjected to revenge, or criminal charges (Proverbs 9:16–18). What evil people try to avoid, through their sins, is always lurking and keeping them from being fully at ease (Proverbs 3:21–25). In direct contrast, those who live righteously are not subject to those consequences.

Eternally, this contrast also applies. Though they try to "get ahead" through sin, those who reject God will ultimately experience judgment. God's wrath will engulf them, and they will suffer eternally in the lake of fire (Acts 17:31; Romans 1:18; Revelation 20:10–15). By contrast, those who practice righteousness will be rewarded at the Judgment Seat of Christ (1 Corinthians 3:10–14; 9:24–25; 2 Corinthians 5:10).

Psalm 37:4 promises, "Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart." The same passage provides wise counsel and promises a good reward: "Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday" (Psalm 37:5–6).

The choice is clear: a person can opt for wickedness and judgment or righteousness and reward. The idea is continued in the following verses (Proverbs 10:25, 27).