Proverbs 20:14. “Bad, bad,” says the buyer, but when he goes away, then he boasts.
This proverb is describing what might be considered a normal business tactic, even a shrewd one. We all know that in the marketplace the seller will have some tricks up his sleeve, but here we see the trick of the buyer. Bad, bad, says the buyer. The purchaser loudly complains about the value of the product, calling it worthless. In this public space the seller is persuaded to lower the price of the item in order to save his reputation. But when the buyer walks away, he boasts of how he has gotten a truly valuable product for well below the deserved price.
What is this proverb’s purpose? Is it a warning to sellers not to let themselves be taken for less than their hard work and product is worth? Possibly.
But it is clear that the proverb is another one of many warnings against greed. The buyer is not on the moral high ground just because they are the buyer. We all know that sellers can be greedy, but so too can buyers. In our individualistic culture, we all know that you have to look out for number one, even if that means being a bit ruthless.
We may not be able to completely relate to the proverb’s setting. We likely aren’t haggling over prices too much. But we can check our hearts for greed. We can evaluate our honesty in business. We can decide what politicians and policies we will support and choose the ones that are rooted in equal opportunity and not just permissiveness.
1 Timothy 6:10. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.
In the end it will take more than just an honest evaluation to change your heart. This is where union with Christ is the cure to greed in all of its forms. In Christ we have all that he has. As Paul told the Corinthians, the cosmos are yours. If we are co-heirs with Christ, why on earth would we ever have to live such an individualistic, dishonest, and materialistic lifestyle? Obviously we don’t.
By Christ’s love in us we must love and honor all who work hard and produce goods and services for us. The farmer. The contractor. The car manufacturer. The babysitter. The artist. Respect their efforts. Pay them what they’re worth. Reject greed in all its forms. Don’t let the love of money pierce you, but trust the One who was pierced for you on Calvary’s cross instead.
You: Have you checked your greed level lately? Do you desire to get a good deal so badly that you have disvalued other’s hard work?
You in Christ: How does knowing that you are a co-heir with Christ begin to cure you of greed?
Christ in you: How can you honor the valuable time and effort of others today, as Jesus would?
Pray: Father, I don’t want to make excuses for my greed. Let my riches in Christ cure my heart today and allow me to honor the hard work of others with my money. Amen.
To Live is Christ 