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◄ Evil in Supporting Himself►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of "Evil in Supporting Himself" refers to the ways in which individuals may engage in unethical or sinful practices to provide for their own needs or desires. This topic is addressed in various passages throughout the Bible, highlighting the moral and spiritual implications of such actions.

Biblical Examples and Teachings

1.Dishonest Gain: The Bible frequently warns against acquiring wealth or resources through deceitful means.Proverbs 11:1 states, "Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight." This verse underscores the importance of integrity in business and personal dealings. Similarly,Proverbs 13:11 warns, "Dishonest wealth will dwindle, but what is earned through hard work will multiply."

2.Exploitation and Oppression: Scripture condemns the exploitation of others for personal gain. InJames 5:4, the apostle writes, "Look, the wages you withheld from the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts." This passage highlights the sin of withholding fair wages and exploiting laborers, emphasizing God's concern for justice and fairness.

3.Trust in Wealth: The Bible cautions against placing trust in wealth rather than in God. In1 Timothy 6:9-10, Paul warns, "Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil." This passage illustrates the spiritual danger of prioritizing wealth over righteousness.

4.Covetousness and Greed: Covetousness, or an insatiable desire for more, is identified as a form of idolatry.Colossians 3:5 instructs, "Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry." Greed leads individuals to prioritize material possessions over spiritual values, resulting in moral compromise.

5.Trust in God's Provision: The Bible encourages believers to trust in God's provision rather than resorting to evil means. InMatthew 6:31-33, Jesus teaches, "Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles strive after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." This passage reassures believers of God's faithfulness in meeting their needs.

6.Repentance and Redemption: The Bible offers hope for those who have engaged in evil practices to support themselves. InLuke 19:8-9, Zacchaeus, a tax collector known for his dishonest practices, repents and makes restitution: "But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, 'Look, Lord, half of my possessions I give to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will repay it fourfold.' Jesus said to him, 'Today salvation has come to this house, because this man too is a son of Abraham.'" This account illustrates the possibility of redemption and transformation through repentance and faith in Christ.

Conclusion

The Bible provides clear guidance on the importance of ethical conduct in supporting oneself. It warns against dishonest gain, exploitation, and greed, while encouraging trust in God's provision and the pursuit of righteousness. Through repentance and faith, individuals can find redemption and align their lives with God's will.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Corinthians 9:7-23
Who goes a warfare any time at his own charges? who plants a vineyard, and eats not of the fruit thereof? or who feeds a flock, and eats not of the milk of the flock?
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Chap. xxviii. How the Same St. Cuthbert, Living the Life of an...
... quite destitute of water, corn, and trees; and being infested byevil spirits, was...
the man of God the means which he had desired ofsupporting himself by his...

A Good Man's Faults
... Paul had adhered when together, ofsupporting himself by manual... what Peter had said
that GodHimself had showed... doubts and fears when we findevil in ourselves...

Doctrine of Non-Resistance toEvil by Force must Inevitably be...
... for the other was ordained by Godhimself, we know... All theevil seems to exist through
some cause... hate the very social order they are themselvessupporting....

Evil Cannot be Suppressed by the Physical Force of the Government...
... of the Futility and Immorality ofSupporting a State... Theevil which we see among
peoples living under a... the demands of government, he findshimself cramped by...

Faustus Rejects the Old Testament Because it Leaves no Room for...
... But thou art deceived byevil spirits which commit adultery with thee, that... chief
of all, bearing the world on his shoulders, andsupporting himself on his arms...

Ezekiel xiii. 22
... range would afford him; and he limitshimself on that very... Nor is theevil merely
one which exists in the... before some idol of its own, andsupporting that idol...

Sebastian Castellio: a Forgotten Prophet
... Christ's doctrine means loving one's enemies, returning good forevil, having a
pure... to the world as a petty thief "who wassupporting himself by stealing wood...

Military Service of St. Martin.
... his father, (who looked with anevil eye on... furnishing assistance to the wretched,
bysupporting the needy... naked, while he reserved nothing forhimself from his...

He Restoreth My Soul.
... surely fall if He withdraws Hissupporting hand... But the choice ofevil, the beginning
of unfaithfulness... always lovingly receive us back toHimself, and remember...

That the Ruler Should Be, through Humility, a Companion of Good...
... of government, saying, But and if thatevil servant shall say... should be taken that
a ruler shewhimself to his... be also the comfort of the staff forsupporting....