Proverbs 21:6
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The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.
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Honesty in business and finances is wisdom. The apparent advantage of deceit is only an illusion. It is a vanity - worthless without value. It will not work. The perceived gain will be lost, and the LORD will judge those who lie for monetary advantage. To choose this approach is the same as desiring death and destruction (8:36; 17:19).
Our proverb is sandwiched between two others that deal indirectly with the same subject. While patient diligence is God's means for financial success, haste for wealth will lead to sinful actions and poverty (21:5). And wicked men relying on robbery to enhance their gain will be destroyed by God for rejecting equity and fair dealings (21:7). Consider also the many proverbs demanding just weights and balances (11:1; 16:11; 20:10,23).
As Solomon here teaches his son business ethics, so every young man must be taught to be impeccable in business. There is no room for fudging any aspect of economic exchange. The LORD sees every infraction, and He will judge every one. He protects every customer and oversees every deal from heaven. Be sure your sin will find you out!
Listen as God warns, "As the partridge sitteth on eggs, and hatcheth them not; so he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool" (Jer 17:11). "Woe unto him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by wrong; that useth his neighbour's service without wages, and giveth him not for his work" (Jer 22:13).
And there are many more sober warnings like these: 10:2; 11:26; 13:11; 20:14,21; 28:8; Lev 19:13,35-36; Deut 24:14-15; 25:13-16; Job 24:10-11; Ezek 45:10-12; Hos 12:7; Amos 8:4-6; Mic 6:10-11; Mal 3:5; James 5:1-7.
Ahab and Jezebel lied to seize the rightful property of Naboth, and Ahab went down to enjoy his treasure. But it was a vanity, for there Elijah told him how he and Jezebel would die (I Kings 21:1-24). Did Achan enjoy his treasure, while the stones crushed his body and the fire burned his bones (Josh 7:20-26)? Did Gehazi enjoy his treasure, while he slowly rotted as an outcast with terminal leprosy (II Kgs 5:20-27)? How about Judas Iscariot (Matt 27:3-10)? How about Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11)?
Consider these questions. Do you pay the full price? On time? Or do you seize the grace period for yourself? Do you disclose all the problems with the used car you sell? Is the product you sell legitimate in the sight of God? Do you cut any corners in your service to maximize the profit margin? Do you treat rental property better than if it were your own? Do you tip the poor generously who serve you in menial tasks? Have you always worked diligently while you were on the clock?
Consider a few more. Do you misrepresent the realistic potential of your business or product? Are all employees paid on time, every time? Do you disclose any problems with the house you sell? Have you kept your financial commitments? On time? Have you properly paid every person who has served you? Have you honestly completed your income tax return? Do you give the Lord His first cut of your income? Or have you lied by saying you love Christ and kept His part for yourself?
Consider a few more. Do you ever call in sick without being sick, to take advantage of the privilege of sick pay? Have you taken small things from your employer that would be classified as purloining or pilfering? Do you try to get refunds for your mistakes in a purchase or order? Have you expected the impossible from a merchant or service man, and then not paid because they were human? Do you try to haggle down the asking prices of things you are buying? Do you ever rejoice and boast to others about getting a great deal? See the comments on 20:14.
Let this proverb cause you to carefully weigh every financial transaction, employment duty, and business deal, so that you are not found tossing vanity to and fro and asking for God's judgment. He sees and hears all you do, and He only accepts total fairness, righteousness, and generosity. Cheaters and cheapskates will neither prosper nor survive. If you pay and perform generously beyond fair, you will be blessed (11:18,24-26).
If you truly want a treasure, that is the real thing, then seek first the kingdom of God (Matt 6:33). For it is "like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field" (Matt 13:44). Any treasure on earth is vanity, vexation of spirit, and will not help in the day of death. But godliness with contentment is precious now and then (I Tim 4:8; 6:6).
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