Proverbs 15:27

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about greed: 

Proverbs 15:27 (ESV)

Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household,

but he who hates bribes will live.

Proverbs 15:27 (NASBStr)

He who profits illicitly troubles his own house,

But he who hates bribes will live.

Proverbs 15:27 (NIV1984)

A greedy man brings trouble to his family,

but he who hates bribes will live.

Every home in the country is concerned about their personal finances.   When they attempt to make a "living" they must, at some point, decide how that living will be made and what making a "living" means.   In the above proverb Solomon warns us about trying to make a "living" in a way that brings shame to their household.   When someone tries to obtain wealth in a way that is lacking in character, Godliness and/or hard-work (see Solomon's words on this subject) they will bring trouble to their own home.   The converse of that is the person who "hates" the income that can come from poor means.   In the second line, above, the one who hates a bribe will have life.   Solomon was the wealthiest man of all time.   He knew what it was like to have wealth.  He obviously had first hand knowledge about how to earn money.   He wants to make sure we don't try to get wealth in a way that does not honor the gospel and Christ.   God rewards faith and hard work that flows from a life of faith.   God does not reward hard-work.  He rewards hard-work that is done in a Godly way and for His glory and through faith.   Do people who work hard and who have good character earn wealth?  Yes.  But, the meaning in Proverbs is that those who try to obtain wealth in a way that lacks God's principles will suffer for it and not only them but their entire house.