Sin Doesn’t Pay in The Long Term

Proverbs 14:22-35

“Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.” (Proverbs 14:22)

We have been told repeatedly that god will destroy those who persist in doing evil.  People who deliberately plan how to take advantage or otherwise do evil to get ahead are making a serious and costly mistake, bringing God’s judgment on themselves.  Those who plan good things will make be empowered to make good decisions and experience God’s blessings.

“In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.” (Proverbs 14:23)

Every kind of physical work accomplishes something of benefit, but talking accomplishes very little without physical action.   The subjects may be important, but the words will accomplish nothing by themselves.

  

“The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly.” (Proverbs 14:24)

The wise man’s belongings are a trophy signifying his wisdom.  The foolish person has nothing to show for his efforts but foolishness.  What is the value of the world’s largest chain of beer tabs or a collection of losing lottery tickets?  Even if it makes it into the guiness book of world records, it just shows how foolish a person has been.

“A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.” (Proverbs 14:24)

A witness who tells the truth sets innocent people free.  Some people set out to make people believe something that is false without actually lying, by leaving out information or making a play on words.  They are intentionally trying to deceive and are effectively lying even though technically they didn’t lie. 

“In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.  The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.” (Proverbs  14:26-27)

Respect for the Lord and his moral standards gives one confidence and a sense of value, so that even one’s descendants have something to cling to when they are struggling.  It produces a sense of wellbeing and direction that enables one to avoid the temptations that lead to death.

“In the multitude of people is the king's honour: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince.” (Proverbs 14:28)

The power and respect a leader or ruler has earned is shown by the size of his following, but if he loses too many of his followers he will lose his position. 

“He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.” (Proverbs 14:29)

A person who doesn’t lose his temper easily is a person who thinks things through.  A person who gets angry easily isn’t concerned with what is right or good.  By his quick anger he encourages people not to think things through.

“A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.” (Proverbs 14:30)

A contented heart or attitude makes for a happy and satisfactory life.  Envy of what others have destroys happiness and eats away at one’s pleasure like bone cancer eats away the bones, making a person more and more miserable.  I Timothy 6:8 advises, “And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.”

“He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.” (Proverbs 14:31)

A person who takes advantage of the poor implies implies God favors some more than others and doesn’t treat everyone fairly.   A person who respects God is considerate of the poor or less fortunate.  Literally, a person’s attitude toward god can be seen by the way he treats other people. 

“The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.” (Proverbs 14:32)

The wicked person lives in denial that his actions deserve judgment.  As a result , the farther into sin he goes the harder it becomes to admit he is wrong and make changes.  The righteous has hope for after his death and consequently little reason to fear it because he faces his faults honestly and deals with them. 

“Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.” (Proverbs 14:33)

Wisdom sits quietly in the heart of people who really understand, waiting until it is needed.   Fools can’t wait to make their stupidity known.

“Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34)

A strong and Godly moral code brings respect to any nation.   A reputation for dishonesty, and immorality is and embarrassment to any people, causing them to be distrusted by other cultures.  At one time the United States was the most respected nation in the world, but as we have allowed our moral standards to slide, we have lost that respect. 

“The king's favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.” (Proverbs 14:35)

An employer or ruler will honor and help an employee or representative who does his job well, but he will be angry and fire or imprison those who embarrass him by not doing their job properly.