Title

Not Worth the Risk

Scripture
The great God who formed everything gives the fool his hire and the transgressor his wages.
(Proverbs 26:10)
Devotional
This more than difficult verse to translate from Hebrew to English simply warns us about dealing with those who are fools and those who are violators of the laws of God. To acquire the services of these is the equivalent of shooting an arrow into the air hoping that it will do no damage. There are risks to be taken with people - calculated endeavors worth the exposure. But these risks are taken with those who have proven themselves faithful. We have no responsibility for the fool or transgressor other than to attempt to introduce them to Christ. We are to love them, but mark them. We are to love them but not employ them. We are to love them, but not partner with them. They are the Lord’s responsibility, not ours. Proverbs further warns us, “Let a man meet a bear robbed of her cubs, rather than a fool in his folly.”(1) Heed the warning.

(1) Proverbs 17:12
Text For The Day
Proverbs 26:10: The great God who formed everything gives the fool his hire and the transgressor his wages.
Thought For The Day

“The opposite of wisdom is folly, meaning the short-term self-indulgence which marks out the person who doesn’t think about long-term priorities and goals but lives on a day-to-day basis, asking, ‘What is the most fun thing to do now?’” James Packer, professor of theology at Regent College, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, “Your Father Loves You.” 

Questions To Ponder
·         Why are we not all equally designed by the Creator?
·         Why are some wise and others fools?
·         Does the fool have no choice?
Morning Study Guide
Defining:  “Transgressor”: Violating the ways and will of God. Example: the wages of a transgressor of the speed limit is a speeding ticket, points on your insurance policy and/or traffic school. All transgressors will eventually get their wages.
 
Referencing: “Like an archer who wounds everyone, so is he who hires a fool or who hires those who pass by,” Proverbs 26:10 NAS.
 
Applying: Hire or partner with a fool and you may have to pay his or her wages.