DO NOT (PART 22) – THE EVIL OF SCHEMING

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In Christ, Mark

The scriptures. May God bless the reading of His holy word.

Whoever plots evil will be known as a schemer. The schemes of folly are sin, and people detest a mocker.

Proverbs 24:8-9          

This ends this reading from God's holy word. Thanks be to God.

My sister posted something the other day on Facebook that was simple and yet telling.

“I hate liars.”

It seems that someone had deliberately said something that wasn’t true, intending to degrade a coworker while elevating themselves. This is only one of many ploys people use to deceive, denigrate, or sometimes destroy others. And those who conscientiously engineer these evil plans are referred to in the scriptures as schemers.

Today’s saying from the thirty Sayings of the Wise, the 24th of such sayings, is centered on the matter of the scheming and sends the "do not" message to refrain from it:

Whoever plots evil will be known as a schemer. The schemes of folly are sin, and people detest a mocker. Proverbs 24:8-9          

These are two simple verses but we learn four things about the matter of scheming from the perspective of God’s word:

1. Scheming is evil.

Whoever plots evil will be known as a schemer.

Deliberately plan to do wrong, whether it’s lying in the case of my sister’s situation or anything else, and you will be committing evil. Plain and simple.

2. Scheming is folly.

The schemes of folly are sin.

One thing is certain: God hates evil, even more than my sister or anyone else does. And so if you choose to deliberately plan to do wrong, know God hates what you are doing. He loves you but He hates your behavior and will do whatever is necessary to discipline it. This includes making sure your evil does not prosper. No, evil plan is going to ultimately result in the gain of the schemer and this is why attempts at scheming are folly or pure foolishness.

3. Scheming is sin.

The schemes of folly are sin.

Scheming is not just evil and foolish but sinful and we have already covered how much God hates sin. Anything not right or righteous in His sight, done not in accordance with His word, will, or way, is sin. It’s as easy as that and scheming is included in that sinful category.

4. People detest scheming.

People detest a mocker.

God hates evil and scheming is evil. We know that. But we hate it too, right? Who likes being intentionally misled by someone?

We detest it when it happens to us. Reactions like the one my sister had are common. And yet, we are all guilty of scheming at one point of life or another. After all, we are sinners. We need to remember this because it underscores all the more the appreciation of God’s mercy and grace and love. For although we are sinners, He still so loves us that He longs for us to be with Him forever some day. Our heavenly Father yearns for His children to not suffer permanent damnation for their sins and so through His Son Jesus, He makes a way for sinners to still find their way to eternal life.

Thus, there is hope for everyone, even the schemer.

Friends, we need to remember this for two reasons.

First, evil and sin as expressed through scheming is not going to go away. It was present in Solomon’s day, it’s present today, and it will be present until Jesus decides to return and judge the world. Don’t think we’re going to not experience it. Don’t think we will not be tempted to do it. Scheming is a part of life because sin is a part of life, like it or not.

Second, we need to turn from sin and evil toward the righteousness and salvation God offers us through His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. He is the only One who can save you from total destruction and wrath when He returns. If He knows you, that is if you have professed Him as Lord and Savior and committed yourself to live for Him, then you will be saved and have eternal life with Him and God the Father. Reject Him and you will have nothing after death. Nothing. Life will be over. Period.

With that ask yourself one simple question:

Is the evil of scheming worth losing your chance at eternal life?

Only a fool would plan to miss that.

Amen.

In Christ,

Mark

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