Gems of Wisdom From the BibleIsampula

Do not compromise on righteousness

Sometimes it can be tempting to let financial profit prevail over morality. Today’s text provides an example: sinners urge a man to join them in robbery or even murder in order to gain wealth. That might be a pretty extreme example, but the idea is clear. Sometimes we are inclined not to be too particular about certain rules or morals, for reasons of profit or convenience. People might even push us to join them in their not entirely legal or honorable business.

But the advice in Proverbs is clear: “do not walk in the way with them”. We should not compromise on morality. For “such are the ways of everyone who is greedy for unjust gain; it takes away the life of its possessors”. Injustice and evil might seem profitable at first, but in the long run, they’ll destroy us — be it in this life, or in eternity. Living according to God’s standards of righteousness and justice will turn out much better, and thus is the wiser thing to do.

Do you ever compromise on righteousness and justice for the sake of financial profit or convenience?