Being Greedy is a Sure Way to Destroy Your Life
Unwise choices have life-changing consequences.
Solomon was concerned about the path his son would take in life.
He knew his son would be tempted to do whatever was required to gain more money.
My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent. If they say, "Come with us, Let us lie in wait to shed blood; Let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause; Let us swallow them alive like Sheol, And whole, like those who go down to the Pit; We shall find all kinds of precious possessions, We shall fill our houses with spoil; Cast in your lot among us, Let us all have one purse"— My son, do not walk in the way with them, Keep your foot from their path; For their feet run to evil, And they make haste to shed blood. (Proverbs 1:10-16)
Solomon urges his son to choose the path of wisdom - the path that led away from those willing to do unethical, perhaps even illegal, things to increase their wealth.
Solomon knew where this kind of evil influence would lead.
Surely, in vain the net is spread In the sight of any bird; But they lie in wait for their own blood, They lurk secretly for their own lives. So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain; It takes away the life of its owners. (Proverbs 1:17-19)
Greed is an all-consuming vice that ultimately ends up consuming the life of its host.
Countless people have been driven to the breaking point by greed. Many people have destroyed their lives in pursuit of more wealth.
In a book all about true wisdom (Proverbs), Solomon emphasizes to his son the importance of guarding against greed - and against those who would tempt him to act out of greed.
Are you making wise choices in your life? Does greed drive you?
If so, you are making a foolish choice - you are gambling with your own life, and you cannot win.
I know Christians who have destroyed their lives because they did not listen to the wisdom of this passage in Proverbs. Some of them are either in prison or on their way to prison. They were greedy for gain, and it took away their life.
Avoid those bad influences who encourage you to do whatever it takes to gain more.
Listen to the call of wisdom (Proverbs 1:20).