What does "eyes and heart are set on dishonest gain" warn against? Verse in Focus “‘But your eyes and your heart are set on nothing but your own dishonest gain, on shedding innocent blood, on oppression and extortion.’” (Jeremiah 22:17) What “Eyes and Heart … Set on Dishonest Gain” Warns Against • Greedy fixation—allowing desire for wealth or advantage to consume the inner life • Twisted priorities—valuing profit over righteousness, people, and God’s commands • Injustice—acquiring through fraud, violence, or manipulation, even to the point of “shedding innocent blood” • Habitual oppression—using position or power to exploit those who cannot fight back • Hard-heartedness—searing the conscience so that wrongdoing feels normal, even justifiable Why God Condemns It • Violates His holy character (Leviticus 19:35–36; Proverbs 20:10) • Breaks His explicit commandments (Exodus 20:15; Deuteronomy 24:14) • Destroys community trust and peace (Amos 5:11–12) • Provokes divine judgment—God promised the fall of Judah’s corrupt leaders, and He still resists the proud (Habakkuk 2:9; James 4:6) • Reveals idolatry—money or power replaces the Lord as the true object of worship (Matthew 6:24) Scriptural Echoes • Proverbs 15:27: “He who is greedy for unjust gain brings trouble on his household.” • Isaiah 33:15–16: integrity is the path to God’s protection. • Micah 2:1–2: plotting iniquity to seize fields brings woe. • Luke 12:15: “Guard yourselves against every form of greed.” • 1 Timothy 6:9–10: craving riches plunges people into ruin. • James 5:1–6: unpaid wages and exploitation cry out to the Lord of Hosts. Practical Warnings for Today • Beware business practices that cut corners, hide fees, or exploit loopholes. • Refuse to trade truth for sales, promotion, or applause. • Guard the private thought-life, where coveting begins before deeds follow. • Examine investments and partnerships to ensure they do not profit from injustice. • Measure success by faithfulness, not by the size of gain. Cultivating Godly Desires Instead • Contentment—trusting God’s provision (Hebrews 13:5) • Generosity—openhanded sharing with the needy (Ephesians 4:28) • Integrity—transparent dealings that honor Christ (Proverbs 11:1) • Justice—defending the vulnerable rather than exploiting them (Isaiah 1:17) God’s word stands as a literal, authoritative call: turn eyes and heart from dishonest gain, and instead pursue righteousness that reflects His own just and generous nature. |
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