Motive, Means, Opportunity

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

What is it that is “deceitful” (deceptive NASB) (8267)?  The obvious answer would be the “work” (wages NASB) (7938) sought but I think it is deeper than that.  One clue would be found in the Hebrew but does not come through in translation.  “Work” (7938) is the same Hebrew word as “reward”.  The result of our actions is the same noun.  The difference is the motivation and the moral character of the actor. 

So?  As is often the case, the difference is in the adjectives and adverbs, not the nouns and verbs.  Our motivation is key.  The same action can be sin for one and obedience for another.  Picture the widow's mite compared to the gifts of the rich.  From another perspective, based on the detective shows I have watched, one of the ways you catch a criminal is motive.  What is yours today?