God created us to work; to produce; to multiply. This is is our DNA. The Apostle Paul once said “For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10). The Proverbist says in Proverbs 14:23 “In all labor there is profit, But idle chatter leads only to poverty”. Proverbs 10:4 states “He who has a slack hand becomes poor, But the hand of the diligent makes rich“. We know that honest labor is pleasing to God. Part of God’s command to Adam was to tend and keep the garden. That is good ol’ hard work! However, there are those who attempt to gain wealth through dishonest means. This not only displeases God, but it also creates in the individual a lack of peace. They might get temporarily rich in the process, but they won’t be able to sleep peacefully. They will always be worried that they will eventually be found out. We can see how many older people are now in prison because they wanted so much to be rich that they did so illegally, and it finally caught up with them. It is not like that with the righteous. They work and labor honestly and with integrity. They can go to sleep in peace, and even though most of them might not be millionaires, they are truly rich. Rich with peace, joy, family, ministry, God’s blessings, and many more intangible “riches.” Don’t ever belittle honesty and integrity. It always wins in the end!
Proverbs 13:11 – Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, but he who gathers by labor will increase.
