Ill-gotten gains do not benefit,
But righteousness rescues from death.
Have you ever gained something in a dishonest way? While we might expect to feel relief that we have the thing we wanted so badly, that feeling of relief never comes when we gain dishonestly. Instead, we either are eaten up with guilt or ready to look for the next temporary thing to satisfy us. As this proverb teaches, ill-gotten gains do not benefit us. What looks attractive has a sour aftertaste. No matter how we feel about it, stealing and dishonesty never satisfy but only give way to more sin. It is only through Christ’s righteousness that we can experience freedom from sin and temptation and experience true satisfaction.
In Christ, we can have the righteousness that rescues us from death, and we have the true, eternal gain of life with Him and reconciliation with God (2 Corinthians 5:21). When we have satisfaction in Christ, we are free to give generously. We do not look only for our interests, but we start to look to the interests of others. We don’t have to think about how our money and resources will primarily serve us. Instead, we can consider how we can use what we have to serve Him and others. In Christ, our greatest need has been met. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are freed to live for God and for the true benefits of life with Him.
- What is an example of dishonest gain? How can that be a way of stealing from others?
- How has your relationship with Christ changed your view of generosity?
- Pray and ask God to equip you to live generously for His glory.
