Text: Prov 11:16-18 ESV 16 A gracious woman gets honor, and violent men get riches. 17 A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself. 18 The wicked earns deceptive wages, but one who sows righteousness gets a sure reward. - Prov 11:16-18 ESV THE BENEFIT OF BEING GRACIOUS In verse 16, Solomon is still making contrasts. Sadly, this verse suffers from translation from one language to another. The hidden point made here is not easily seen when moving to a different culture or language pattern. Here, he points to a woman who exhibits grace and gains respect from others, as opposed to the money earned by those who are graceless. The implication is that a gracious person can earn both respect and income, whereas, the violent or callous person can only gain money. The context of this passage shows the callous person's attitude towards obtaining and trusting money (see Prov 11:4, 7). Some translations hint at this implication by adding the word "only," though there's no equivalent to this in the Hebrew text, itself. Solomon continues to explain that kindness tends to benefit those who are kind, while cruelty often results in cruel responses. He even says in Ecc 11:1, "Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days." The kind man is generous in sharing his resources with others. In return, God blesses him. The recipients do reciprocate the honor and kindness to him. This principle is emphasized by Jesus in His sermon on the Mount. Jesus said, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy" (Matt 5:7). He further said, "Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you" (Mat 5:42). In Luke 6:35, Jesus promised, "Love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great." Even when other men don't reward kindness, God notices and responds accordingly (Mat 10:42). In contrast, a cruel man is unkind which gains him neither admirers nor supporters. Such a person has nothing to look forward to but people's disdain and ill wishes. He lacks genuine friends and leads a lonely life. By being cruel, he hurts himself. His death is more likely to be celebrated than mourned. [see v.10]. If ever people would rally for him, the reason is most likely for material gain. There is no love and kindness. We should not follow the path of the wicked, should we? Christ has cautioned us not to work for the perishable and temporary things in this world. But, we should pursue for rewards, that are eternal. He said, “Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life.” (John 6:27). That is, Jesus told us not to make material things our main goal in life. Instead, our priority is the eternal riches.[Mat 6:24] During the Judgment Seat of Christ, only the things we have done on earth for Jesus' sake will receive a reward (1 Cor 3:10–14; 2 Cor 5:9–10). ------------------------- Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram