Why is withholding wages considered a sin in Deuteronomy 24:15? Context: The Command in Deuteronomy 24:15 “You are to pay his wages each day before sunset, because he is poor and depends on them. Otherwise he will cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin.” Why Withholding Wages Is Sin • It breaks a direct command of God, moving the offender into the category of “guilty of sin.” • The worker’s daily wage is portrayed as basic life-sustenance; delaying it threatens survival. • Failure to pay provokes an appeal to the LORD, inviting divine judgment—God personally takes up the worker’s case. • It treats a fellow image-bearer as a disposable commodity rather than a neighbor worthy of love (Leviticus 19:18). Theological Foundations • God’s character: He is just and defends the poor (Psalm 140:12). • Stewardship: All resources ultimately belong to the Lord (Psalm 24:1); withholding wages steals what God has entrusted to another. • Covenant ethics: Israel is called to mirror God’s righteousness; injustice among them profanes His name (Ezekiel 22:12). Echoes in the Old Testament • Leviticus 19:13—“Do not defraud your neighbor or rob him. Do not hold back the wages of a hired worker overnight.” • Proverbs 3:27-28—Withholding good when it is in your power to act is condemned. • Malachi 3:5—The LORD will judge “those who defraud laborers of their wages.” Confirmation in the New Testament • James 5:4—“Look, the wages you failed to pay the workers… are crying out against you.” • Romans 4:4—Wages illustrate a debt owed; the employer is obligated to pay. • Luke 10:7—“The worker is worthy of his wages,” reaffirming the principle. Practical Implications for Today • Timely, fair payment is an act of obedience to God, not merely good business. • Employees and contractors reflect God’s image; respecting their labor honors the Creator. • Delaying or diminishing wages invites God’s scrutiny and potential discipline. • Christians in leadership model the Gospel by practicing financial integrity and generosity. |
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