Making a fortune by a lying tongue is a vanishing mist, a deadly pursuit. Making a fortune by a lying tongueThis phrase highlights the moral and ethical implications of acquiring wealth through deceit. In biblical context, honesty and integrity are highly valued, as seen in the Ten Commandments, which prohibit bearing false witness ( Exodus 20:16). The Bible consistently warns against dishonest gain, emphasizing that God detests lying lips ( Proverbs 12:22). Historically, deceitful practices in trade and commerce were common, yet the biblical narrative calls for fairness and truthfulness. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus teaches about the dangers of wealth obtained through unrighteous means ( Luke 16:10-13). is a vanishing mist
The imagery of a "vanishing mist" suggests the fleeting and insubstantial nature of wealth gained through deceit. This metaphor is consistent with biblical teachings that emphasize the temporary nature of earthly riches (James 4:14). The mist represents something that appears substantial but quickly dissipates, illustrating the futility of relying on dishonest wealth. This concept is reinforced in Ecclesiastes, where the pursuit of wealth is described as "vanity" and "chasing after the wind" (Ecclesiastes 1:14). a deadly pursuit
The phrase "a deadly pursuit" underscores the spiritual and moral dangers associated with dishonest gain. In biblical terms, the pursuit of wealth at the expense of integrity leads to spiritual death and separation from God. This is reflected in the teachings of Jesus, who warns that one cannot serve both God and money (Matthew 6:24). The pursuit of wealth through deceit is not only morally wrong but also leads to destructive consequences, as seen in the story of Ananias and Sapphira, who lied about their possessions and faced dire consequences (Acts 5:1-11). This serves as a cautionary tale about the ultimate cost of dishonest pursuits. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His proverbs often address moral and ethical living. 2. Ancient IsraelThe cultural and historical context of Proverbs is ancient Israel, where wisdom literature was a key part of teaching and guiding the community in righteous living. 3. The Deceptive PersonThis refers to individuals who use deceit to gain wealth, a common theme in wisdom literature warning against unethical behavior. Teaching Points The Futility of Dishonest GainWealth obtained through deceit is temporary and ultimately unsatisfying. It is like a mist that vanishes, offering no lasting security or peace. The Moral Consequences of DeceitEngaging in deceitful practices not only harms others but also leads to spiritual and moral decay. It is a "deadly pursuit" that can lead to one's downfall. The Value of IntegrityTrue prosperity comes from living a life of integrity and righteousness. God honors those who are honest and upright in their dealings. The Eternal PerspectiveChristians are called to focus on eternal values rather than temporary wealth. Our actions should reflect our faith and trust in God's provision. Guarding Against TemptationBelievers must be vigilant against the temptation to use dishonest means for personal gain. Regular self-examination and accountability can help maintain integrity. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of a "vanishing mist" in Proverbs 21:6 help us understand the temporary nature of dishonest wealth? 2. In what ways can the pursuit of wealth become a "deadly pursuit" in our lives today? 3. How do the teachings in Proverbs 21:6 align with Jesus' teachings on wealth and integrity in the Gospels? 4. Reflect on a time when you were tempted to use deceit for personal gain. How did you handle the situation, and what did you learn from it? 5. How can we cultivate a heart of integrity and trust in God's provision, especially in a culture that often values wealth over character? Connections to Other Scriptures Proverbs 10:2This verse contrasts ill-gotten gains with righteousness, emphasizing that only righteousness delivers from death. James 4:14This New Testament verse speaks of life as a mist, connecting to the transient nature of wealth gained through deceit. 1 Timothy 6:9-10These verses warn against the desire to be rich, which can lead to temptation and harmful desires, echoing the deadly pursuit mentioned in Proverbs 21:6. People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics FALSE, Breath, Deadly, Death, Driven, Fleeting, Fro, Gets, Getting, Lying, Making, Pursuit, Searching, Seek, Seeking, Snare, Stores, Tongue, Tossed, Treasures, Vanity, Vapor, Vapour, WealthDictionary of Bible Themes Proverbs 21:6 5193 tongue
5481 proverb
5591 treasure
6147 deceit, practice
8812 riches, ungodly use Library Definition of Actual Grace
1. GENERAL NOTION OF GRACE.--The best way to arrive at a correct definition of actual grace is by the synthetic method. We therefore begin with the general notion of grace. Like "nature,"(3) grace (gratia, {GREEK SMALL LETTER CHI}{GREEK SMALL LETTER ALPHA WITH OXIA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER RHO}{GREEK SMALL LETTER IOTA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER FINAL SIGMA}) is a word of wide reach, used in a great variety of senses. Habert(4) enumerates no less than fourteen; which, however, may be reduced to four. a) Subjectively, …
Joseph Pohle—Grace, Actual and HabitualEpistle xxi. To Constantina Augusta .
To Constantina Augusta [1593] . Gregory to Constantina, &c. Almighty God, who holds in His right hand the heart of your Piety, both protects us through you and prepares for you rewards of eternal remuneration for temporal deeds. For I have learnt from the letters of the deacon Sabinianus my responsalis with what justice your Serenity is interested in the cause of the blessed Prince of the apostles Peter against certain persons who are proudly humble and feignedly kind. And I trust in the bounty …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great Epistle Cvi. To Syagrius, Ætherius, virgilius, and Desiderius, Bishops .
To Syagrius, Ætherius, Virgilius, and Desiderius, Bishops [65] . Gregory to Syagrius of Augustodunum (Autun), Etherius of Lugdunum (Lyons), Virgilius of Aretale (Arles), and Desiderius of Vienna (Vienne), bishops of Gaul. A paribus. Our Head, which is Christ, has to this end willed us to be His members, that through the bond of charity and faith He might make us one body in Himself. And to Him it befits us so to adhere in heart, that, since without Him we can be nothing, through Him we may …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great How the Slothful and the Hasty are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 16.) Differently to be admonished are the slothful and the hasty. For the former are to be persuaded not to lose, by putting it off, the good they have to do; but the latter are to be admonished lest, while they forestall the time of good deeds by inconsiderate haste, they change their meritorious character. To the slothful therefore it is to be intimated, that often, when we will not do at the right time what we can, before long, when we will, we cannot. For the very indolence of …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great How those are to be Admonished who Desire not the Things of Others, but Keep their Own; and those who Give of their Own, yet Seize
(Admonition 22.) Differently to be admonished are those who neither desire what belongs to others nor bestow what is their own, and those who give of what they have, and yet desist not from seizing on what belongs to others. Those who neither desire what belongs to others nor bestow what is their own are to be admonished to consider carefully that the earth out of which they are taken is common to all men, and therefore brings forth nourishment for all in common. Vainly, then, do those suppose …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great The Heavenly Footman; Or, a Description of the Man that Gets to Heaven:
TOGETHER WITH THE WAY HE RUNS IN, THE MARKS HE GOES BY; ALSO, SOME DIRECTIONS HOW TO RUN SO AS TO OBTAIN. 'And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain: escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.'--Genesis 19:17. London: Printed for John Marshall, at the Bible in Gracechurch Street, 1698. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. About forty years ago a gentleman, in whose company I had commenced my …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 "And the Life. " How Christ is the Life.
This, as the former, being spoken indefinitely, may be universally taken, as relating both to such as are yet in the state of nature, and to such as are in the state of grace, and so may be considered in reference to both, and ground three points of truth, both in reference to the one, and in reference to the other; to wit, 1. That our case is such as we stand in need of his help, as being the Life. 2. That no other way but by him, can we get that supply of life, which we stand in need of, for he …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life How Christ is the Way in General, "I am the Way. "
We come now to speak more particularly to the words; and, first, Of his being a way. Our design being to point at the way of use-making of Christ in all our necessities, straits, and difficulties which are in our way to heaven; and particularly to point out the way how believers should make use of Christ in all their particular exigencies; and so live by faith in him, walk in him, grow up in him, advance and march forward toward glory in him. It will not be amiss to speak of this fulness of Christ …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life An Analysis of Augustin's Writings against the Donatists.
The object of this chapter is to present a rudimentary outline and summary of all that Augustin penned or spoke against those traditional North African Christians whom he was pleased to regard as schismatics. It will be arranged, so far as may be, in chronological order, following the dates suggested by the Benedictine edition. The necessary brevity precludes anything but a very meagre treatment of so considerable a theme. The writer takes no responsibility for the ecclesiological tenets of the …
St. Augustine—writings in connection with the donatist controversy. Paul's Departure and Crown;
OR, AN EXPOSITION UPON 2 TIM. IV. 6-8 ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR How great and glorious is the Christian's ultimate destiny--a kingdom and a crown! Surely it hath not entered into the heart of man to conceive what ear never heard, nor mortal eye ever saw? the mansions of the blest--the realms of glory--'a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.' For whom can so precious an inheritance be intended? How are those treated in this world who are entitled to so glorious, so exalted, so eternal, …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Proverbs 21:6 NIVProverbs 21:6 NLTProverbs 21:6 ESVProverbs 21:6 NASBProverbs 21:6 KJV
Proverbs 21:6 Commentaries
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