What other scriptures warn against the dangers of greed and violence? Setting the Scene: Proverbs 1:18 and the Snare of Self-Destruction “But they lie in wait for their own blood; they ambush their own lives.” (Proverbs 1:18) The Lord pulls back the curtain on greedy, violent schemes: in plotting harm or grabbing gain, the plotters pierce themselves. Scripture repeats the warning. Greed: Scripture’s Repeated Red Flag • “Such are the ways of all who are greedy for gain; it takes the lives of its possessors.” (Proverbs 1:19) • “You shall not covet … anything that belongs to your neighbor.” (Exodus 20:17) • “He who is greedy for unjust gain brings trouble on his household.” (Proverbs 15:27) • “A stingy man hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty will come upon him.” (Proverbs 28:22) • “He who loves money will never be satisfied with money.” (Ecclesiastes 5:10) • “They are dogs with mighty appetites; they never have enough.” (Isaiah 56:11) • “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed.” (Luke 12:15) • “Those who want to be rich fall into temptation … and plunge men into ruin and destruction.” (1 Timothy 6:9-10) • “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have.” (Hebrews 13:5) • “Come now, you rich, weep and wail over the misery to come upon you.” (James 5:1-6) Violence: The Road Paved with Blood • “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed.” (Genesis 9:6) • “The LORD … His soul hates the lover of violence.” (Psalm 11:5) • “Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways.” (Proverbs 3:31) • “The violence of the wicked will sweep them away.” (Proverbs 21:7) • “Their feet rush into evil … ruin and destruction lie in their wake.” (Isaiah 59:7) • “Woe to those who devise iniquity … They covet fields and seize them.” (Micah 2:1-2) • “Woe to him who builds his house by unjust gain … you have plotted shame for your house.” (Habakkuk 2:9-12) • “Put your sword back in its place… for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.” (Matthew 26:52) • “Do not repay anyone evil for evil.” (Romans 12:17-21) • “The acts of the flesh are obvious … fits of rage.” (Galatians 5:19-21) • “Murderers … their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur.” (Revelation 21:8) When Greed Fuels Violence Greed and violence often travel together. Note these blended warnings: • “Woe to him who builds a city with bloodshed and establishes a town by injustice!” (Habakkuk 2:12) • “Your wealth, your treasures … and all your sins within your borders.” (Jeremiah 17:11) • “Their eyes bulge with abundance; the imaginations of their hearts run wild. They scoff and speak with malice.” (Psalm 73:7-8) Living the Contrast: The Call to Contentment and Peace • Contentment: “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Timothy 6:6) • Generosity: “Command the rich … to be rich in good deeds, generous and willing to share.” (1 Timothy 6:17-18) • Peace-making: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9) • Trust: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33) Scripture rings out with a single voice: greed and violence are a trap; contentment and peace are the way of life. |
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