Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 11:18, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.
American Standard Version
The wicked earneth deceitful wages; But he that soweth righteousness [hath] a sure reward.
World English Bible version
Wicked people earn deceitful wages, but one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.
Proverbs 11:18 Meaning & Commentary
Nothing that the wicked does has a sure reward. In fact, The Bible tells us that not only do they not get a sure reward but that they earn deceptive wages. You see, a wicked person does not sow righteousness. What are some examples of sowing to righteousness? Someone who gives of their finances into The Kingdom of God. Someone who helps a fellow Christian in need. Someone who prays, fasts, and practices spiritual disciples are all examples of someone who sows righteousness.
The Bible is clear that whatever we sow is what we will reap: Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. A wicked person would not participate in such things because they have a different nature – They do not have the Character of Christ in them. The Bible tells us that God works in us and gives us the desire to do His will and the power and the strength to carry it out: Philippians 2:13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Whatever we do for God stands for all eternity.
As Proverbs 11:18 says, we have a sure reward, both here and in eternity: Colossians 3:23-24 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. There are numerous places in The Bible that show that God rewards people: Hebrews 11:6 And without faith, it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. The wicked are said to have a deceptive wage because there is no lasting fruit in the works of their hands, and it is all in vain with no sure reward!
Application
How can we practically apply Proverbs 11:18 to our lives?
We need to focus on what matters in life, and that is doing the will of God: 1 John 2:17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. The Bible not only warns us against sowing to the flesh but encourages us to sow to the spirit: Galatians 6:8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
The challenge is to fill our lives and our times with those things that have eternal value. It is easy for our time to get sucked away by doing things that do not matter, and we see a warning against this in scripture: 2 Timothy 2:4 No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. Even Jesus touched on this with the parable of the sower and how The Word of God can easily be snatched out from bearing fruit in our lives: Matthew 4:18-19 And others are the ones sown among thorns. They are those who hear the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.
We also need to continually remind ourselves that there is nothing good that dwells in the world. We need to continuously set our hearts and minds on Jesus Christ and doing His will: Colossians 3:1-2 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.Â
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank you for this reminder from Your Word today. Help me to be conscious about where I focus my time and energy. I desire to live a life of purpose and please you in everything I do.
I pray that when I receive Your Word, it may bear much fruit and bring Glory to your name. Help me not to get caught up in doing things that do not matter. I ask this all in Jesus’ Name. Amen!
