Devotion for July 22, 2008

The Greedy Lose

“My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent. If they say, "Come with us, Let us lie in wait to [shed] blood; Let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause; Let us swallow them alive like Sheol, And whole, like those who go down to the Pit; We shall find all [kinds] of precious possessions, We shall fill our houses with spoil; Cast in your lot among us, Let us all have one purse" — My son, do not walk in the way with them, Keep your foot from their path; For their feet run to evil, And they make haste to shed blood. Surely, in vain the net is spread In the sight of any bird; But they lie in wait for their [own] blood, They lurk secretly for their [own] lives. So [are] the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain; It takes away the life of its owners.” (Proverbs 1:10-19 NKJV)

The greedy seek great possessions, but lose the greatest possession. The bandit is consumed with the thought of great gain. It drives him to shed blood in want of it. Here was stated the ultimate manifestation of greed.

However, most would not resort to murder for fear of being caught. That restraint does not mean the desire is any less wicked. Surely most people have heard of property owners who will not fix their dilapidated and dangerous buildings, but are willing to risk their tenants’ health for the sake of profits. Drug companies push their abortion pills to market so women can kill babies for convenience. Think about those institutions of credit which lend money without regard to the impact of their usury? Need I say anything about the oil companies?

While these greedy people gain power and goods, they lose their greatest possession, their lives. Whether it happens in this world by incarceration or physical death, or in the next, eventually their greed will ensnare them. Yet, they are blinded to this. “In vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird, but they lie in wait for their own blood.”

Therefore, it seems good to list a few questions by which the child of God might measure himself seeing this is such a blinding sin.

1. Are you willing to let another suffer while it is in your power to stop it?
2. Are you willing to rationalize insane profits by saying to yourself, “Oh well let the buyer beware?”
3. Are you able to give cheerfully?
4. Do you sacrifice time with family to gain more things?
5. Do you sacrifice time with God to gain more things?
6. Are you content with what you have?
7. Are you willing to give all that you have to the poor, if Jesus told you to?
8. What is your goal in life?
9. Are you honest in your business affairs?
10. Do you envy what others have?

If there was the slightest twinge of conviction at the reading of these questions, then examine carefully your motives. Remember, greed is deceptive so look with a discerning eye. Pray for others who might fall into this snare.