Proverbs: Every Way of a Man Is Right in His Own Eyes

 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes; but the Lord searches the heart.  (Proverbs 21:2 NKJ)

 

     Isaac, an accountant, could not make ends meet.  He wasn’t making enough money to cover his living expenses.  He saw the vast riches of his employer and felt like he was not being paid enough.  Since his employer trusted him with his finances, he decided it was time to make up for his lost wages.  His reasoning was that since he was earning the money, it was acceptable to change the books.

     He didn’t consider it wrong to show that the Gas Company paid $500.00 instead of the $1000.00.  Instead of recording the $100.00 the Flour Company paid, he recorded $80.00.  Isaac considered his actions acceptable.  He considered himself a just man because he was taking what he felt belonged to him.  In addition, he liked having the big house and nicer things.

     In Jesus’ time, the Pharisees wanted riches.  They took payments from the Romans and money from the offerings.  They were the leaders in the Synagogue, dressed in the best, and prayed on the street corners.  They considered themselves important and just men.  So, when they heard Jesus’ parable about the shrewd accountant who stole from his master, they became furious.  They did not agree with Jesus’ words concerning money taken unjustly.  Those who practiced in taking money not belonging to them would not receive eternal life. (Luke 16:1-13) ‘The Pharisees, who were covetous, heard all these things; and they derided him.’ (Luke 16:14)

     Jesus answered them, “You are they who justify yourselves before men; but God knows your heart; for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.” (Luke 16:15)

     Are we any different?  Do we justify our sins?  My father was a strong man of faith.  He taught us – a lie is a lie.  In his eyes, there was no such thing as a ‘white lie.’  There is no justification for going against the laws of God.  In their own eyes, Isaac and the Pharisees considered themselves ‘good men’ while stealing.  In your eyes, how do you consider yourself?  Do you consider what is in your heart?  You can’t justify your sins going to church, living a good life, or acting like a good person. 

     Is it time to ‘carefully consider your ways?’ (Haggai 1:5) As a Christian living in a sinful world, we need to pay attention to the words God said to Haggai. (1:5 & 7) Are we really just in our actions and life?  Are we justifying our sins because the world is doing it?  Think about it.  Search your heart and pray.

(Isaac is not a real person.  This story is using Jesus’ parable in Luke 16:1-13.)