In what ways can we ensure our gains are honest and God-honoring? Setting the Scene Proverbs 20:17 declares, “Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth is full of gravel.” The verse paints a vivid picture: dishonest profit may feel satisfying for a moment, yet it eventually grinds like stones between the teeth. Scripture consistently warns that any gain achieved apart from integrity ultimately harms us and grieves our Lord. What the Proverb Teaches • “Bread” represents any profit, paycheck, promotion, or possession. • “Gained by deceit” exposes shortcuts—lying, cheating, inflating numbers, hiding defects, misrepresenting hours. • “Sweet… but afterward” shows sin’s pattern: temporary thrill, lasting pain (cf. Hebrews 11:25; Galatians 6:7–8). • “Mouth full of gravel” signals God-ordained consequences—loss of peace, ruined reputation, legal fallout, or eternal regret. Why Dishonest Gain Fails 1. God sees everything (Proverbs 15:3). 2. Unjust wealth evaporates (Proverbs 13:11). 3. Ill-gotten treasure cannot protect in the day of wrath (Proverbs 11:4; James 5:1–5). 4. It entangles the heart in idolatry (1 Timothy 6:9–10). 5. It forfeits future blessing—“The blessing of the LORD enriches, and He adds no sorrow to it” (Proverbs 10:22). Principles for Honest, God-Honoring Gain • Work diligently: “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being” (Colossians 3:23-24). • Deal justly: use honest weights and measures (Proverbs 11:1; 16:11). • Speak truthfully: let “yes” be yes both in contracts and casual commitments (Matthew 5:37). • Reject covetousness: trust the Lord as Provider (Hebrews 13:5-6). • Give generously: faithful stewardship guards the heart against greed (Proverbs 11:24-25; 2 Corinthians 9:6-8). • Rest in contentment: “Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a rich man whose ways are perverse” (Proverbs 28:6). Practical Steps for Everyday Decisions • Before accepting any opportunity, ask: Does this align with Scripture and the standards of my employer, clients, and government? • Keep transparent records—finances, timecards, invoices. • Welcome accountability: invite a trusted believer to review major financial choices. • Refuse gossip or flattery that manipulates colleagues for advantage. • Practice restitution swiftly if you discover an unintentional over-charge or error (Leviticus 6:4-5; Luke 19:8). • Cultivate gratitude daily to choke out envy of others’ success. Promises for Those Who Walk Uprightly • Provision—“The LORD will not let the righteous go hungry” (Proverbs 10:3). • Stability—“The integrity of the upright guides them” (Proverbs 11:3). • Joy—“Light shines on the righteous, gladness on the upright in heart” (Psalm 97:11). • Eternal reward—“Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your master” (Matthew 25:21). |
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