Hidden Costs

(Proverbs 1:19 KJV)  So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof.

How have you earned your “gains” (1214)?  It really does make a difference.  The problem is not profit or wealth but the methods and motives.  This is a compound word, really “gains by violence” (1214).  Other places it talks about the importance of fair measures and integrity in business.  Here it talks about using force. 

If you look back a few verses it talks about robbers, shedding blood, living a communist life style.  Here it reminds you that those patterns of behavior “take” (3947) our “life” (5315).

So?  You are not stealing people’s lunch money?  Good.  Are you making false claims on insurance?  Are you demanding more medical procedures than you would if you were paying out of your pocket?  Are you threatening to sue if you don’t get your way?  Think about your motives and methods for gain.  Sometimes the hidden cost means it isn’t worth it.