Wages of Deceit

(Proverbs 11:18 KJV)  The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.

This verse would point out the idea of true riches.  In the flesh we tend to focus on what would be called “deceitful” (deceptive NASB) (8267) “work” (wages NASB) (7938).  We are so materialistic and limited in vision.  We tend to be drawn toward wealth, power and notoriety.  It is hard to recognize value if we can’t count it, hold it or stack it up.  This is deceptive.

We can also ignore the true “wages” (7938) we are paid.  Remember that the wages of sin is death.  Think of other applications that do not necessarily demand the label of “sinful” but still demand a price to be paid.  How many athletes have made lots of money but died early because of the damage they did to their bodies?

Why do pastors go through years of expensive education and then work for peanuts with people who often do not appreciate them?  Why do people teach in private schools at half the salary they could get in a public school?  Why do women give up careers to invest themselves in their children?  Why do men give up their shiny toys to support their families.  They see through the deception.

So?  What wages are you seeking?  Are you investing your life the way God directs and trusting Him to provide and guide?  Don’t quit your job today, but think about what wages you want to earn.