The Bible warns that wealth obtained through dishonest, scamming,cheating, and deceitful means will ultimately lead to ruin and destruction. In this sermon, we will explore the biblical teaching on the curse of ill-gotten gain and the consequences of earning money through cheating and dishonesty.
The Curse of Ill-Gotten Gain
In Deuteronomy 27:17, we read, "Cursed be he who moves his neighbor's landmark." This verse teaches that altering or manipulating something that doesn't belong to us, including financial boundaries, will result in a curse.
Similarly, in Proverbs 1:19, we are told, "Such are the ways of everyone who is greedy for unjust gain; it takes away the life of its possessors." This verse highlights the destructive nature of ill-gotten gain and the consequences of prioritizing wealth over integrity.
The Consequences of Cheating and Dishonesty
The Bible teaches that cheating and dishonesty will ultimately lead to destruction and ruin. In Proverbs 22:16, we read, "Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth, or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty." This verse highlights the consequences of exploiting or manipulating others for financial gain.
Similarly, in Leviticus 19:13, we are told, "You shall not oppress your neighbor or rob him. The wages of a hired servant shall not remain with you all night until the morning." This verse emphasizes the importance of treating others fairly and with integrity, especially in financial matters.
God's Justice and Restoration
The Bible teaches that God will ultimately bring justice and restoration to those who have been wronged. In Exodus 22:22-24, we read, "You shall not mistreat any widow or fatherless child. If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to me, I will surely hear their cry, and my wrath will burn, and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives shall become widows and your children fatherless."
Similarly, in Proverbs 22:23, we are told, "For the Lord will plead their cause and plunder the life of those who plunder them." This verse highlights God's commitment to justice and restoration for those who have been wronged.
The Principle of Restitution
The Bible teaches that those who have gained wealth through cheating and dishonesty must make restitution to those they have wronged. In Leviticus 6:2-5, we read, "If anyone sins and commits a breach of faith against the Lord by deceiving his neighbor in a matter of deposit or security, or through robbery, or if he has oppressed his neighbor or has found something lost and lied about it, swearing falsely—in any of all the things that people do and sin thereby—if anyone sins and becomes guilty, he shall restore what he took by robbery or what he got by oppression or the deposit that was committed to him or the lost thing that he found or anything about which he has sworn falsely. He shall restore it in full and shall add a fifth to it and give it to him to whom it belongs on the day he realizes his guilt."
This passage emphasizes the importance of making restitution to those who have been wronged, as well as the need to acknowledge and confess one's sins.
In conclusion, the Bible teaches that wealth obtained through dishonest and deceitful means will ultimately lead to ruin and destruction. Those who gain wealth through cheating and dishonesty must make restitution to those they have wronged and acknowledge their sins before God. As believers, we must prioritize integrity and honesty in all our financial dealings, recognizing that true wealth comes from God and is obtained through righteous living.
