Proverbs 28:24-25 - Homilies By E. Johnson

Sins of greed

I. THEY MAY LEAD TO UNNATURAL VICES — EVEN THE ROBBERY OF PARENTS . ( Proverbs 28:24 .) The heart must be profoundly corrupted that can sacrifice filial affection on the shrine of the base lust for gain. Theft is not less but more a crime it committed against one's own blood.

II. THEY LEAD TO STRIFE . ( Proverbs 28:25 .) They overcome the instinct for justice and social right, and the man becomes an oppressor and a murderer—if not in act, in spirit and purpose—of his kind. Wars and fightings come of the "lusts in our members." It is confidence in the eternal God—his gracious providence and goodness, which calms excessive desire, and fills the heart with peace and content. And the riches the soul thus gains are surer and more permanent than any treasures laid up on earth.—J.