What Price Honesty?

(Pro 6:31 KJV)  But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.

Christians are to live by a higher, more demanding standard.  In the context of this verse allowance has been made for the desperate person who steals to stave off starvation.  It does not stop there.  The poor has a responsibility to pay back.  Restitution is required.

Notice that last part of this verse.  In order to make things right you are to get rid of even your “substance” (1952).  The meaning of this word is wealth.  Wait a minute.  You are so poor that you have to steal to survive but you have wealth?  The point here is that we all seem to think that certain things are necessary when they are really luxuries.  How often have you seen people who are getting government checks because they are poor and they have a smart phone?  How many have I-pods?  How many have HD TV?  I think you know the answer.

So?  If you are a follower of Jesus and seeking to live in righteousness you need to stop living off of others.  Earn your way.  Learn the difference between what you need, what you want and what you think you deserve.  Painful?  Yes.  Vital?  Even more so.