Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 15:27, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.
American Standard Version
He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; But he that hateth bribes shall live.
World English Bible version
He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes will live.
Proverbs 15:27 Meaning & Commentary
Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household, but he who hates bribes will live. – Proverbs 15:27 (ESV)
This verse in Proverbs speaks on the matter of integrity. This is something that can trip anybody up, no matter how talented or skilled they may be. Even the famous investor Warren Buffett said integrity is one of the most important characteristics when hiring a staff member. He was quoted as saying, “Look for three things in a person. Intelligence, Energy & Integrity. If they don’t have the last one, don’t even bother with the first two”.
Furthermore, Proverbs 15:27 says that if someone is greedy for unjust gain, he or she troubles their own household. This is because integrity catches up with us eventually. Not all that, but it also catches up with our family and loved ones. Lack of integrity, greed, and ‘unjust gain’ usually remain hidden for only so long. How often have we seen a scandal break in the news when we never expected it? Someone we might have admired suddenly is at the center of a scandal and makes the news for all the wrong reasons.
The second part of Proverbs 15:27 says that ‘he who hates bribes will live’ – in other words, someone who opposes unjust dealings, dishonesty, and a lack of integrity is ‘safe’ from being found out and is on the path to ‘life.’ The reality is that as believers in Christ, we have eternal life. However, we should have more than that – we should experience abundant life on earth:
John 10:10 – The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. Eternal life comes through Jesus Christ; however, living ‘the abundant life’ on earth also depends on us. The choices and decisions we make have a big impact on our lives and the lives of our loved ones. Integrity is a choice we need to make for ourselves!
Application
How can we apply Proverbs 15:27 to our lives?
The Bible calls us to live a life of integrity. How can we claim to be followers of Jesus Christ yet not live as he is? Revelation 19:11 – Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. Jesus is called ‘Faithful and True’ – this is not a name given to Him, but reveals His character and nature.
When we think of integrity – faithfulness, and truth are two characteristics that come to mind. A person of integrity is truthful in who they are and faithful to their assignment. One of the greatest keys to practicing and developing a life of integrity is doing it when it is seemingly insignificant!
Sometimes we can look at a major scandal like someone committing business fraud and stealing tens of millions. However, this lack of integrity likely started somewhere small and grew. This could be TAX fraud or not paying back money to a friend we know we owe. This is why The Bible tells us to ‘guard our heart.’ There are snares and traps waiting for us at every stage of life – not only when we think we have ‘made it.’ Furthermore, the habits we develop stay with us throughout our lives.
This is why Jesus could boldly say that if someone is faithful with little, they will be faithful with much: Luke 16:10 – One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. If we were to paraphrase this, we could say, “The same person you are now with little is the same person you will be with much.” Therefore, choosing a life of integrity starts now!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus Christ, the ultimate model of integrity, faithfulness, and truth. I ask for your forgiveness where I may not have modeled this in my life. Help me right now to put aside every form of lying and dishonesty and walk in absolute integrity, and in doing so – bring glory to You. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen!
