The Seven Deadly Sins: Greed
June 3
The greedy bring ruin to their households, but the one who hates bribes will live. (15: 27)
GREED KILLS.
The one who hates bribes refuses to compromise integrity, even when it means the loss of a big payday. But for the greedy, the means justify the ends. Greed says, “If I could make huge money, even if it requires that I lie or bribe, then why not?” The greedy find ways to justify dishonest financial dealings to themselves, and there is no better way than to say that it will benefit your family or your household.
But this is an illusion. When their misrepresentations, bribes, and lies are made public, the greedy have brought ruin to their households. Indeed, when 15: 27 says that those marked by honesty and prudence in financial matters will live, it hints that exposed corruption can lead not only to economic disaster but even to suicide. Jesus and Paul add that greed threatens your soul (Mark 8: 37; Ephesians 5: 5). So even if the bribe or lies are not exposed, if your heart is set on money in a greedy way, it will poison your character and weaken your family. But the one who puts integrity and service ahead of profit will live.
Q. What kinds of justifications have you used or seen others use to cut ethical corners in financial dealings?
Prayer:
Lord, there are scores of smaller and larger ways to cheat and misrepresent in financial dealings with employers, customers, buyers, and sellers. Make me a person of absolute integrity with regard to money. Amen.
Keller, Timothy; Keller, Kathy. God's Wisdom for Navigating Life: A Year of Daily Devotions in the Book of Proverbs (Kindle Locations 2866-2880). Penguin Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.