Topical Encyclopedia The term "ill-gotten" refers to possessions, wealth, or gains acquired through dishonest, unethical, or sinful means. In the Bible, the concept of ill-gotten gains is frequently addressed, emphasizing the moral and spiritual consequences of acquiring wealth or possessions through unrighteous methods. The Scriptures consistently warn against the pursuit of wealth through deceit, theft, oppression, or any form of injustice.Biblical References: 1. Proverbs 10:2 · "Ill-gotten treasures profit nothing, but righteousness delivers from death." This verse highlights the futility of acquiring wealth through dishonest means. While ill-gotten gains may provide temporary material benefit, they ultimately offer no true profit or security. In contrast, righteousness is portrayed as a source of deliverance and life. 2. Proverbs 13:11 · "Dishonest wealth will dwindle, but what is earned through hard work will be multiplied." This proverb contrasts the fleeting nature of wealth obtained through deceit with the enduring value of wealth earned honestly. It underscores the principle that integrity and diligence lead to lasting prosperity. 3. Jeremiah 17:11 · "Like a partridge that hatches eggs it did not lay is the man who gains riches unjustly. In the middle of his days, they will abandon him, and in the end, he will be a fool." This imagery illustrates the futility and eventual downfall of those who amass wealth through unjust means. The unjustly acquired riches are likened to eggs that do not belong to the partridge, emphasizing the temporary and unstable nature of such wealth. 4. Micah 2:1-2 · "Woe to those who devise iniquity and plot evil on their beds! At morning light they accomplish it because it is in the power of their hand. They covet fields and seize them; they take houses and deprive a man of his inheritance." This passage condemns those who use their power to exploit and oppress others for personal gain. It highlights the moral corruption and social injustice associated with ill-gotten wealth. 5. Habakkuk 2:6 · "Will not all of these take up a taunt against him, with mockery and riddles, saying: ‘Woe to him who amasses what is not his—how long will it be?—and loads himself with stolen goods!’" This verse speaks to the inevitable judgment and scorn that befall those who accumulate wealth through theft and exploitation. It serves as a warning of the divine retribution that awaits those who engage in such practices. Theological Implications: The Bible's teachings on ill-gotten gains reflect a broader theological understanding of justice, integrity, and the proper use of wealth. Wealth is not inherently evil, but the means by which it is acquired and the purposes for which it is used are of paramount importance. The pursuit of wealth through unrighteous means is seen as a violation of God's commandments and an affront to His justice. The Scriptures call believers to a life of honesty, fairness, and generosity, encouraging them to trust in God's provision rather than resorting to unethical practices. The emphasis on righteous living and the condemnation of ill-gotten gains serve as a reminder of the eternal values that transcend temporal wealth and possessions. Strong's Hebrew 7562. resha -- wickedness... Word Origin from the same as rasha Definition wickedness NASB Word Usage evil (2), Ill-gotten (1), wicked (4), wicked acts (1), wickedness (23). ... /hebrew/7562.htm - 6k Library Whether one May Give Alms Out of Ill-Gotten Goods? Whether Men are Bound to Pay Tithes of all Things? Paul and Felix From the Seventh to the End of the Tenth Commandment The Unrighteous Mammon Arria and Her Mother Sat with the Emperor. ... What was the Character of his Brother in Empire... Three Youths Save Constantinople Ep. cxl. Again I Write when I Ought to Come: but I Gain Confidence ... In the House of his Heavenly, and in the Home of his Earthly ... Thesaurus Ill-gotten (4 Occurrences)Ill-gotten. Ill-founded, Ill-gotten. Illicit . Multi-Version Concordance Ill-gotten (4 Occurrences). Proverbs 10:2 Wealth ... /i/ill-gotten.htm - 7k Ophel (6 Occurrences) Lacks (27 Occurrences) Illicit (1 Occurrence) Ill-founded (2 Occurrences) Tyrannical (2 Occurrences) Gotten (38 Occurrences) Glory (590 Occurrences) Hates (37 Occurrences) Resources What is antithetical parallelism in Hebrew poetry? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about expectations? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about population control? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Ill-gotten (4 Occurrences)Proverbs 10:2 Proverbs 28:16 Micah 4:13 Micah 6:10 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |