August 2002

"Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird."  Proverbs 1:17.

If you wanted to catch a bird you would hide the net so the bird wouldn’t know he was flying into it wouldn’t you?

This scripture in Proverbs is talking about a trap called greed.  It speaks of those who obtain gain by violent means and kill in order to gain possessions.  Then in verse 19 it compares that same behavior with greed.

"So are the ways of every one who is greedy of gain; such [greed for plunder] takes away the life of its possessors."  Proverbs 1:19 The Amplified Bible.

Greed takes away the life of its possessors.  Greed is a trap that may look enticing but in reality it is something that will destroy you if it’s not dealt with.

The end does not justify the means.  If a person hurts someone else in order to get something, then they really haven’t gained anything at all, they’ve been caught in the death trap of greed instead.

We’ve all seen the cartoons of those "climbing the corporate ladder" and stepping on other people in order to rise to the top.  What makes people do that?  Greed.  People who wouldn’t normally go out and intentionally hurt someone will often do so if the price is right.

People have said, "Everyone has a price."  Meaning that for the right amount of money, possessions or prestige anyone will do anything.  We, as Christians are to be different.

What is the Bible’s answer?  Instead of seeking and striving for money, prestige or possessions, seek after God’s wisdom, knowledge and understanding.  Seek to know God’s ways and learn how to operate in His Kingdom, according to His principals.  Put some effort into finding God’s wisdom.

"Length of days is in her (wisdom’s) right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour."  Proverbs 2:16

When we seek after God’s wisdom we will enjoy a long life full of God’s blessings of riches and honor.  We don’t need to try and force blessings to come to us through greed, but rather as we flow with Kingdom principles we will receive God’s blessings and they will be free from turmoil (Proverbs 10:22).

God’s ways are best!