Our Proverb for this day tells us that, "Ill-gotten gains do not benefit, but righteousness rescues from death." Proverbs 10:2 deals with how we obtain wealth, but I believe that it is telling us something much more than this.
First of all, this Proverb makes it clear that we are to get wealth or earn money through righteous means. We are not to engage in business practices that are unethical. We are not to be engaged in a type of business that would be displeasing to the Lord or that would lead anyone astray from the Lord. A Christian involved in any type of business dealing, or as an employee at a job, should always be completely honest and trustworthy.
I believe that this Proverb is also teaching that there are a lot more important things in this life than the accumulation of wealth and possessions. I am reminded of the teachings of Jesus. He told us that we should lay up treasures in Heaven and not lay up treasures on earth. He also asked what profit there would be should someone gain the whole world and yet lose one's soul.
Jesus' story about the rich man and Lazarus also comes to my mind when I think about this Proverb. The rich man had a lot of money, but he didn't live in a righteous manner. He neglected the poor man at his gate. When the rich man died, he found an eternity of torment. On the other hand, Lazarus didn't have any of this world's goods. He was homeless and sick. However, he lived for and loved God. When he died, he was carried to Abraham's Bosom which I believe is a term for Heaven.
Let us concentrate our efforts in this life on seeking those things that are of eternal value. As we do work to make ends meet, let us do so in an upright and honorable fashion.
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