Even when it works…

I’ve mentioned before that some of the proverbs express truths that God doesn’t necessarily approve of.  Proverbs 17:8 is an example of this.

A bribe is a charm to the one who gives it; wherever he turns, he succeeds.

At first glance, it seems Solomon is promoting bribery.  But later, he writes,

A wicked man accepts a bribe in secret to pervert the course of justice.  (23)

In other words, Solomon (and for that matter God) calls those who receive (and give) bribes evil, because in doing so, they disrupt what is fair and right.

We’ve seen this in government corruption on local and national levels.  We’ve also seen this in the courtroom where people were acquitted of crimes they committed through bribery.

Of this, Solomon says,

Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent — the Lord detests them both.  (15)

Most people aren’t in positions where they feel a need to bribe others, but I think all of us face situations where we do something we know is wrong because it “works.”

They tell “white lies” to get out of uncomfortable situations.  Or they illegally download videos or music they want simply because they can.

But while you may “succeed” in gaining what you desire, God knows what you have done and detests it.

Let us never fool ourselves in thinking that just because we can do something and it works, that it is always right in the eyes of God.

Instead, let us weigh our actions by the word of God.  Let that be the measuring stick for our actions, not the “effectiveness” of what we do.