Our wisdom for today comes from Proverbs 15:27.
“He who is greedy for unjust gain brings trouble on his household, but he who hates bribes will live.”
This passage does not say that a good income or a rich income is wrong. It warns of greed and “unjust gain.” There is nothing wrong with making the most of the talents God gives you. The harm begins when you try to build beyond the ability God gave you, when you reach for unjust gain.
The Bible is filled with examples of greed gone to ruin. Read the stories of Achan, Gehazi, or Judas Iscariot and his 30 pieces of silver.
No greedy man ever starts by believing that greed will harm the entire family, yet our proverb today says that very thing. As one wise writer said, “The legacy of a greedy man is a family left in the shadow of his sins.”
In our own time there is the example of Bernie Madoff. Bernie stole tens of billions from those who lost everything. His whole family also lost everything. He was sentenced to 150 years in prison. He had a phone available, but no one ever called him, not even a family member. He and his family suffered from the consequences of greed and unjust gain.
Indeed, “He who is greedy for unjust gain brings trouble on his household.”
I’m Lonnie Davis
And these are thoughts worth thinking.