Proverbs 1:17-19, The High Cost of Greed
January 10, Proverbs 1:17-19
Luke 12:15-21 “The wicked is snared in the work of his own hands” (Ps. 9:16).
The High Cost of Greed
Sin digs deep graves. If a man could see sin in all his hideousness, he would no more embrace it than he would a leper! Only as we see sin through the spectacles of God will we know it aright, for it seldom shows its true colours. Again the proverbs prove that they are never out of date or out of place among us.
- Traps Contrived: For the net is spread. Dangers lurk everywhere, for sin is ever contriving to set traps for the souls of men. Does this mean that birds will avoid traps they can see? Or does v.17 mean that birds are silly enough to allow appetite to blind them to the fact that the bait is a trap set for them? The bait wins over caution and the warning net is ignored. This seems to fit the context best (vs.18-19). How easily both young and old sinners fall into the traps set by evil schemers! Here some heedless youth is the bird. The father warns about the traps set by evil men. Thus counselled, his son will surely avoid the traps, or will he? They lay wait. Who (v.18)? The hunter; the contriver, that’s who! He allows his prey to take bait without springing the trap at first. Then when the instinct is dulled, suddenly he springs the net and the hapless ‘victim’ is well and truly caught.
- Traps Concealed: In vain! Traps for the soul, so well concealed, must be laid bare. Traps are out there waiting, hidden, lurking. The barb on the hook is hidden. Many start out, in spite of the godly advice of father or mother, prepared to go with the conniving stranger. Inevitably this leads them into the power of evil and loss of character. An all too common trap is ambition – good, if properly pursued, but if not, it brings tragedy. There is the trap of getting rich quick. Criminals know crime doesn’t pay, and sin has consequences, but it doesn’t stop their headlong plunge to disaster. Another trap is the devil’s rock music and lyrics. It claims originality but is only old paganism in 21st century undress. This music and its evil words, steal the minds and hearts of millions, both young and old, and promotes sensuality. So, in their complete disregard of warnings, are the ways of everyone greedy of gain. Man’s greediness makes him contrive traps that cannot stand the light of day. The true friend will expose the traps and thunder the warning!
- Traps Cursed: They lay wait, but the result is their own ruin (vs.18-19). Evil reaps what it sows. The trapper traps himself! Killers get killed! Yet that’s not what they intended, but evil plans backfire, finally! This is the oldest teaching in the world. What mighty warnings these! Be wise! Heed the warnings of godly parents. Don’t listen to those who tell you to forsake the old ways for the new are better. That is a Lie from Hell. Sin is Suicide! Break God’s Law and you break yourself! He who ties the gold round his neck when the ship is sinking only speeds his own end. So end all who are greedy with greed.
Thought: You may get what you want by sin, but more of what you didn’t want!
Prayer: Lord, help me to see sin through your eyes.