Topical Encyclopedia Dishonest gain refers to acquiring wealth or benefits through deceitful, unethical, or unjust means. The Bible consistently condemns such practices, emphasizing the importance of integrity, honesty, and righteousness in all dealings. This entry explores the biblical perspective on dishonest gain, highlighting key scriptures and themes.Old Testament References The Old Testament frequently addresses the issue of dishonest gain, particularly in the context of business and legal practices. In Leviticus 19:35-36, God commands the Israelites, "You must not use dishonest measures of length, weight, or volume. You shall maintain honest scales and weights, an honest ephah, and an honest hin. I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt." This directive underscores the importance of fairness and honesty in commerce. Proverbs, a book rich in wisdom literature, repeatedly warns against dishonest gain. Proverbs 11:1 states, "Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight." Similarly, Proverbs 13:11 notes, "Dishonest wealth will dwindle, but what is earned through hard work will be multiplied." These verses highlight the transient nature of wealth obtained through deceit and the divine favor upon honest labor. The prophets also denounce dishonest gain, often linking it to social injustice and oppression. In Micah 6:10-12, the prophet laments, "Am I still to forget a wicked house, along with its ill-gotten treasures? And the short ephah, which is accursed? Shall I acquit a man with dishonest scales and with a bag of false weights? Her rich men are full of violence, her inhabitants speak lies, and their tongue is deceitful in their mouth." Here, dishonest gain is associated with broader societal corruption and moral decay. New Testament Teachings The New Testament continues the condemnation of dishonest gain, particularly in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. In the Gospels, Jesus warns against the pursuit of wealth at the expense of righteousness. In Luke 16:10-11, He teaches, "Whoever is faithful with very little is also faithful with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little is also dishonest with much. If, then, you have not been faithful with worldly wealth, who will entrust you with true riches?" The apostle Paul, in his epistles, frequently addresses the issue of dishonest gain, especially in the context of church leadership. In 1 Timothy 3:3, Paul lists the qualifications for overseers, stating that they must not be "given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, and not a lover of money." Similarly, in Titus 1:7, he writes, "As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach—not self-absorbed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money." The apostle Peter also warns against the pursuit of dishonest gain in spiritual leadership. In 1 Peter 5:2, he exhorts elders to "be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them—not out of compulsion, but because it is God’s will; not out of greed, but out of eagerness." Theological Implications The biblical condemnation of dishonest gain is rooted in the character of God, who is just, righteous, and truthful. Believers are called to reflect these attributes in their lives, demonstrating integrity and fairness in all their dealings. Dishonest gain is not only a violation of God's commandments but also a breach of trust with others, undermining community and relationships. Furthermore, the pursuit of dishonest gain reveals a misplaced trust in material wealth rather than in God's provision. Scripture consistently teaches that true security and blessing come from God, not from ill-gotten wealth. As Jesus reminds His followers in Matthew 6:19-21, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." In summary, the Bible's teachings on dishonest gain serve as a call to ethical living, urging believers to pursue honesty, integrity, and trust in God's provision. Topical Bible Verses John 3:1-36There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: Topicalbible.org Luke 16:1-31 Proverbs 13:11 Proverbs 11:1 Ezekiel 22:29 Ezekiel 22:27 Greek 147. aischrokerdos -- from eagerness for base gain ... for the sake of dishonest gain. Adverb from aischrokerdes; sordidly -- for filthy lucre's sake. see GREEK aischrokerdes. (aischrokerdos) -- 1 Occurrence. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/147.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 1215. betsa -- gain made by violence, unjust gain, profit... by violence, unjust gain, profit NASB Word Usage dishonest gain (4), end (1), gain (7), illicitly (1), plunder (1), profit (4), unjust gain (4), unjust* (1). ... /hebrew/1215.htm - 6k 1214. batsa -- to cut off, break off, gain by violence Library Cheating and Dishonest Ways of Making Money are Utterly Unfit for ... 1 Cor. v. 1, 2 Thou Shalt not Steal. Homilies on the Gospel of John. The Oration on Holy Baptism. Our Guilt. He that is Unjust in the Least is Unjust Also in Much. Luke 16:10. From the Seventh to the End of the Tenth Commandment Gambling, Card-Playing Testimonies from the Apostle Concerning the Spirit of Accidie. Resources What does the Bible say about spying/eavesdropping? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about injustice? | GotQuestions.org What is mammon? | GotQuestions.org Dishonest: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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