What does "no compensation" in Proverbs 6:35 reveal about the nature of sin? Setting the Verse in Context Proverbs 6:35: “He will not be appeased by any compensation; he will refuse a bribe, however great.” Solomon is warning against adultery. The jealous husband stands for the outraged party whose offense cannot be bought off. “No Compensation”: Word Picture and Literal Meaning • “Compensation” (Heb. kopher) speaks of ransom money—something paid to avert punishment. • The verse literally states that no sum, however immense, will satisfy the offended husband. What This Reveals About the Nature of Sin • Sin produces damage that money, effort, or human pledges cannot erase. • Sin stirs righteous wrath; it demands justice rather than negotiation. • Sin carries consequences that linger beyond the moment of pleasure. Sin Leaves Wounds That Wealth Cannot Heal • Isaiah 64:6: “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags.” • Sin’s stain clings to the soul and relationships; human “payments” don’t touch the root problem. Sin Demands Satisfaction, Not Bargaining • Numbers 35:31 shows the principle in criminal cases: “You are not to accept a ransom for the life of a murderer…” If bloodguilt cannot be bought off, neither can spiritual guilt. • Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death…” The penalty is fixed, not negotiable. Human Efforts at Payoff Fall Short • Micah 6:6-7 portrays futile offers—calves, thousands of rams, even a firstborn—and concludes they cannot placate God. • Proverbs 6:35 illustrates the same: multiply gifts all you like, the offended party still says “No deal.” Only God Provides the True Ransom • 1 Peter 1:18-19: “It was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed… but with the precious blood of Christ.” • Mark 10:45: “The Son of Man… gave His life as a ransom for many.” • Hebrews 9:22 declares that forgiveness requires shed blood, not silver coins. Living in Light of This Truth • Flee temptation early. Proverbs 6:27 asks if a man can scoop fire into his lap without being burned—fire prevention is wiser than damage control. • Own responsibility without excuses; sin cannot be papered over with good deeds or donations. • Rest in the finished work of Christ; His blood is the only compensation God accepts. • Extend serious, sober warning to others: sin’s cost is real, and no earthly payment cancels it. |
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