Sin Produces Results

(Proverbs 6:33 KJV)  A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.

We have two different words, “wounds” (5061) and “dishonour” (disgrace NASB) (7036).  In a place like this I find myself wondering if this is a literary device of repetition for emphasis or does it portray two types of damage that sin can deliver.  As I say many times it is a case of both/and, not either/or.

Sin has physical consequences.  The first word here is usually translated “plague” in the KJV.  It can refer to leprosy.  How many times have people found themselves beaten, broken and even killed because they have lied, stolen or fornicated?  How often does drunkenness cause broken bones and fatal accidents?  How often does gluttony lead to gout, heart disease, diabetes and the list goes on.

So?  All physical problems are not the result of our personal sin.  All of nature is corrupted.  But in addition to the attacks our bodies get from its natural enemies is the added dimension of personal sin.  It does matter how we live.  It matters very much.  This is a thought for self examination, not having “Aha” moments about others.