Classic KJV - Proverbs 21:6

Translation: Treasures

Note the word “treasures” is plural, not the singular “treasure.” It may seem a trivial point, but I suspect that lying to get “treasures” implies habitual dishonesty. The text sounds the alarm, not against some accidental slip, but ongoing and then habitual deceitfulness.

The Hebrew word for “treasures,” אוצר (ʼȏ•ṣār, pronounced “ō-tsar”), also appears in Proverbs 8:18-21. It does not refer to basic daily needs, like food, clothing, and shelter, but to coffers and storehouses, extra wealth above and beyond our daily needs. So it’s more dangerous to lie for luxuries than for necessities. Most can forgive those who steal from pure hunger.

Honesty and Death

The acquisition of wealth through deceit is like a mirage—but worse. A mirage leads to disappointment, but pursuing wealth dishonestly leads to death. Thieves may not die immediately, but they are heading that way. The more we stretch the truth, the greater the danger.

Honesty and Haste

The transitory nature of dishonest riches is abundantly clear with two words, “fleeting” (here now, gone tomorrow) and “vapour” (mist or fog). Those who look for security in stolen wealth will be disappointed. One small gust, and all is gone. Commentator Matthew Henry says that those who enrich themselves by dishonest practices never find the satisfaction they seek. Plagued with instability, they are perpetually uneasy and in constant haste.

Honesty and Simplicity

I find it hardest to be honest when it comes to taxes. Part of my problem is the complex maze of the Income Tax Act: Intricate, patchwork, ever-changing laws, regulations, and interpretations. If it was a building, it would be condemned as unfit for human habitation. The playing field is not level, but sloped to favor the government and hamper the taxpayer. In contrast, in reality, transparency in business dealings promotes honesty and expresses trustworthiness. Complexity is often a cover for dishonesty. Yet honesty is the best policy. Keep things simple!

Honesty and  Elaborate Planning

Dishonesty is coupled with scheming. A crime can be executed with elaborate planning and precise timing. From a dramatic perspective, this may seem a clever masterpiece, but from the LORD’s perspective, it’s the demonic use of the wonderful human mind for trivial purposes. Criminals may be ingenious, but not wise. They end in ruin, despite all their shrewdness. We read a warning in Isaiah 30:1-2 when many Israelites tried to ignore God’s solutions and planned instead to flee to Egypt, seeking a salvation without God.

Buyer, Seller, Preacher, Taxpayer

Other temptations? As shoppers, we can misrepresent an item for purchase, just to get a lower price. This common tactic is described in Proverbs 20:14, but this text says it will backfire, causing more harm than good. As sellers, we extol the product or inflate its benefits just for a sale. As preachers, we need to heed the warning of classic commentator John Gill: “Do not preach false doctrines in the church of God, simply to increase donations.” As taxpayers, we should just pay our taxes.

Aside from speeding, tax evasion is probably our most common crime. According to this proverb, under-the-table business to duck the taxes will cause more trouble than it’s worth. The end does NOT justify the means. Instead, the means colours the end, and that colour may be black.

Our Maker, Saviour, and Friend

Jesus never tried to acquire monetary treasures, whether honestly or dishonestly. He never even asked for money. But do not misunderstand this.

Jesus was not against treasures. In fact, He advised His followers to “store up treasures” for the future. In one of His discourses on money, He promoted genuine, safe, and secure long-term wealth.

He spoke of storing up treasures, money bags, in heaven where assets are safe from the ravages of inflation, market fluctuations, thieves, and investment fees (Luke 12:33).