Read
Watch
1The Lord hates anyone
who cheats,
but he likes everyone
who is honest.
2Too much pride
can put you to shame.
It's wiser to be humble.
3If you do the right thing,
honesty will be your guide.
But if you are crooked,
you will be trapped
by your own dishonesty.
4When God is angry,
money won't help you.
Obeying God is the only way
to be saved from death.
5If you are truly good,
you will do right;
if you are wicked,
you will be destroyed
by your own sin.
6Honesty can keep you safe,
but if you can't be trusted,
you trap yourself.
Reflect
In this passage the justice of God rings loud. God hates cheaters, it says. Does he really hate them? We know from the Gospels that God loves everyone so this statement should be read more as a human expression of how God views injustice. The Old Testament prophets talked more about justice issues in their own day than about what was going to happen in the “end times.” The prophet Micah wrote: “The Lord has told us what is right and what he demands; ‘See that justice is done, let mercy be your first concern and humbly obey your God’”(Micah 6:8).
If God is not on your side there is nothing that will help you. Stay humble and honest. Humility and honesty will keep you from ruin, whereas believing you are invincible and can do whatever you like will surely lead to your downfall.
This is a simple formula for life and these verses in Proverbs give us a hint of the reward when we live by these principles.
Respond
Almighty God, Everything is in your hands. You see that justice is always carried out in the end, and we are forever grateful that you always act in the context of mercy. Help me with my honesty especially in the areas where I don’t realize I’m being deceptive. I want the life you have prepared for those who are obedient and honest.
Ted Seres
Ted Seres received his B.A. in Political Science at McMaster University in Hamilton. He earned an M. Div at the Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon. He is married to Susan and has two sons: Trenton and Brett. Ted is an ordained minister with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. He has been involved in pastoral ministry including church planting.