Original Author: Rizwi Amith

The wicked… earns deceptive wages. – Proverbs 11:18

If you want to succeed in life practice honesty! One poll cited by newsman Paul Harvey stated that 40% of American workers admitted stealing on the job, and 20% felt justified! Their rationalizing includes:

“Everybody’s doing it, why shouldn’t I?”

“The boss can afford it, he won’t miss it.”

“It’s only small stuff, it won’t make any difference.”

“The company owes me, I’m just taking what’s mine.” “I deserve it, I’ve worked hard and never been acknowledged.”

What does God’s Word say about this?

“The wicked… earns deceptive wages.” (Proverbs 11:18)

God says deceiving your employer by stealing time and materials or delivering an inferior product and service, is “wicked”. That’s strong language! Of all people, employers and customers should be able to trust followers of Christ to be honest, work for their wages and provide the highest quality service.

And for the record, it’s not smart to steal, even if you don’t get caught.

“Ill-gotten gains do not profit” (Proverbs 10:2).

You may take it but you won’t benefit from it.

“Wealth obtained by fraud dwindles” (Proverbs 13:11)

You can’t do the wrong thing and get the right result. Not only will you have trouble, you’ll bring trouble on those who love and need you most.

“He who profits illicitly troubles his own house” (Proverbs 15:27).

The job loss, damaged reputation, humiliation, legal costs and consequences are a ‘bill’ the whole family pays for, often ending in shame and divorce and affecting several generations. Your spouse deserves an honest partner. Your children deserve a role model they can emulate, confident the path you walk is safe for them to follow.