PAYDAY'S ON THE WAY

Proverbs 11:18 The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.

When someone works there is always a motive. Sometimes it involves pride (like when we work on our yard or wash our car), sometimes it is profit (everybody loves the paycheck), and sometimes it can even be pleasure (the lazy days on the beach are made possible by months of hard work).

Deceitful work is work that does not pay off as expected. I worked for a neighbor as a young boy and expected to be paid minimum wage just like the teenagers who were working with me. I gave it my best effort and when the time came to get paid I was deeply disappointed when I was told that I was getting $1.oo/hour.

It's bad when someone else cheats you out of a hard earned reward, but in this verse, the wicked are not deceived by someone else, but by themselves. Imagine living your whole life and finding out that all you earned was eternal punishment in Hell. Now imagine that there is no one else to blame but yourself!!!

The man who chooses to obey the Word of God and walk in the way of righteousness may have to give up on some temporary pleasures, but in the end he will be vindicated. He will be proven right. He will get the reward he worked for, and much, much more.

-God will not fail to reward those who seek and serve Him!

-God will not fail to punish those who dispute or disregard Him!

This is how I break these verses down;


1. The option that is presented.
A. The way of regret The wicked worketh a deceitful work;
B. The way of reward but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.

2. The occasion that is prevented.
A. A false strategy Hosea 8:7 For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind: it hath no stalk: the bud shall yield no meal: if so be it yield, the strangers shall swallow it up.
B. A false security Hosea 10:13-14 Ye have plowed wickedness, ye have reaped iniquity; ye have eaten the fruit of lies: because thou didst trust in thy way, in the multitude of thy mighty men. Therefore shall a tumult arise among thy people, and all thy fortresses shall be spoiled, as Shalman spoiled Betharbel in the day of battle: the mother was dashed in pieces upon her children.

3. The outcome that is predicted.
A. An explicit promise Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
B. An essential power 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

Lord, help me to stay on the path of righteousness. Correct me when I go astray. Comfort me when I am discouraged. Whisper in my ear again that those who put their trust in you will never be disappointed. Help me to serve you for the right reason, YOUR GLORY, and to leave the results up to You. YOU ARE GOOD. YOU ARE TRUSTWORTHY. I am yours... completely.