In what ways can we avoid "great gain with injustice" in our work? Key Verse “Better a little with righteousness than great gain with injustice.” (Proverbs 16:8) Understanding the Principle • “Great gain” is not wrong in itself; the warning is against gain achieved through compromise, deceit, or oppression. • God measures success by righteousness first, profit second (Proverbs 11:1; Matthew 6:33). • Whatever we harvest unjustly today will be judged justly tomorrow (James 5:4-5). Practical Ways to Avoid Unjust Gain at Work • Build transparent practices – Keep clear, honest records. – Invite accountability: let someone else review the numbers (2 Corinthians 8:20-21). • Refuse deceptive shortcuts – Say no to falsifying hours, inflating expenses, or shading the truth in marketing. – Remember Ananias and Sapphira: hidden fraud cost them everything (Acts 5:1-11). • Pay what is due – Promptly settle invoices, taxes, and fair wages (Romans 13:7; Colossians 4:1). • Treat people as image-bearers, not profit centers – Avoid exploiting employees or coworkers for personal advancement (Ephesians 6:9). – Practice generous, timely compensation (Deuteronomy 24:14-15). • Let integrity set your limits – Walk away from deals that conflict with biblical ethics, even if the numbers look irresistible (Psalm 15:4). – Trust God to supply what honest work cannot (Philippians 4:19). • Speak truth consistently – Communicate with customers, clients, and colleagues without hidden fees or fine-print traps (Ephesians 4:25). • Guard the heart, not just the ledger – Pray over motives, asking God to expose greed before it turns into action (Proverbs 4:23). – Memorize verses on contentment (1 Timothy 6:6-10). Blessings of Choosing Righteousness • A clear conscience: “The integrity of the upright guides them” (Proverbs 11:3). • God’s favor: “The LORD detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with Him” (Proverbs 11:1). • Sustainable reputation: “A good name is more desirable than great riches” (Proverbs 22:1). • Eternal reward outweighing temporary profit (Matthew 25:21; 1 Peter 1:4). Final Encouragement Even when unjust methods appear quicker and more lucrative, lasting security is found in steady, righteous work. Better to earn less with God’s smile than gain the world with His displeasure. |
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