A fool's hire

Each day, our news sources bring us more sobering reports about the crushing level of unemployment in the United States of America.  It is much the same in the United Kingdom and in much of the European Union.  With each report, the stock markets in the various countries react negatively, as the confidence of investors is shaken once again.

Leaders from the various nations tout their solutions and argue vehemently from their view as to what should be done. Economic summit meetings end with impotent pronouncements that have no practical effect on the deteriorating situation. Meanwhile, many of the economies of the world stagger like a drunken man, with no real solutions in sight.

Political leaders make positive noises about economic recovery. Still, working men and women who are out of work and who see their governmental unemployment benefits coming to an end, have a feeling of panic and despair, as they consider their prospects for the future.

As strange as it may seem, the solutions for these seemingly intractable problems can be found in an ancient book that most people have somewhere in their homes. The Bible contains basic principles which, if followed, will bring sustained economic prosperity to individuals and to nations. Because these principles have been ignored by our people and our governments for generations, we now reap the fruits of that neglect and malfeasance, with millions suffering economic stress and, in some cases, ruin.

In this brief commentary we can only focus on one of those principles, but it is a very important one. The Apostle Paul wrote to young evangelist Timothy with these instructions: "For the Scripture says, 'You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,' and, 'The laborer is worthy of his wages'" (1 Timothy 5:18).

Applying this principle would eliminate exploitation of laborers and workers at all levels of society. The other side of the coin, which is the duty of workers to give the employer an honest effort to fulfill their job or position, is also covered by Scripture: "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might" (Ecclesiastes 9:10). The Bible also talks about honest weights and measures, which would also apply to the employee and employer relationship (Deuteronomy 25:13).

While we all love pay day, there is a pay day which no one wants to see come around. The wise writer of Proverbs wrote: "The great God who formed everything gives the fool his hire and the transgressor his wages" (Proverbs 26:10). The Apostle Paul put it this way: "For the wages of sin is death" (Roman 6:23).

So, while the world tries to sort out the economic woes that beset it, and millions of workers seek wages to sustain themselves, the more basic question for each individual should be: "What is my relationship with God?" For you see, if one has not repented and accepted the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sin, then that person will eventually receive the wages due, which is eternal death.

The message of Tomorrow's World is that the "fools hire" can be avoided. With our television program, our magazine, literature, and Bible Study Course, we provide information on the way to eternal life in the Kingdom of God, which Jesus Christ will bring to this earth at His second coming.

While all of us must earn wages or have an income to sustain us physically, we should not neglect the even more important spiritual principles necessary for salvation and eternal life. Our booklet What is a True Christian? will be an inspiring and instructional beginning for those seeking the way to eternal life. Order it online without delay; it is free of any charge.