Not Much

Cloyce Sutton II
11/22/14 - Bulletin

Proverbs 16.8
Better is a little with righteousness Than great income with injustice. Have you begun shopping for Thanksgiving groceries? Have you planned the menu? Have you made out the guest list? Do you already have indigestion just thinking about it?

Thanksgiving is supposed to be a time for reflecting on our multitude of blessings. In these hard economic times, it's not too hard to find others who are jobless, or who have taken cuts in pay and benefits. If you have a job and good benefits, you are blessed. If you have enough to put a big spread on the table next week, you are blessed.

But there are some things that are more important than abundance. Our proverb reminds us that righteousness and justice are far better than possessions. "Righteousness" translates the Hebrew word tsedaqah, which, here, is an ethical word. It refers to how our wealth, provisions, and possessions are secured — by honesty and hard work. The contrast is with "injustice" which translates mishpat, which is used as an ethical term like tsedaqah. It refers a very different way of securing our blessings — by deceit, laziness, and theft. In other words, Solomon says, "I'd rather be broke and have a clear conscience than well off through ripoffs."

One other noteworthy point from this proverb: The implication is that God does not always immediately reward humble, pious service. Sometimes, after our best efforts to be honest, to work hard, and to serve others, we have little to show for it in the way of material goods. Likewise, it is implied that God sometimes allows wicked crooks to enjoy their loot before he descends in judgment. That's worth remembering when we are depressed about our depressed finances. Your checkbook balance does not reflect God's divine balance of justice (v 11).

Whether your Thanksgiving feast is great or small, always do what's right and enjoy the fruits of a life well-lived.

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