Proverbs 28:24
“Whoever robs his father or his mother and says, “That is no transgression,” is a companion to a man who destroys.”
This proverb addresses two sins. Robbing a father or mother is a shameful crime, for the child is already in debt to their parents for giving them life, providing a home, and nurturing their development. But to minimize or mock such a shameful crime makes it even worse.
It is to put oneself in the company of those who commit the most serious of sins.
As with many of the Proverbs, there is a spiritual dimension to this passage. The people of Israel were the Lord’s children, yet many generations of Israelites violated their covenant with the Lord and dishonored their heavenly Father. They rejected His laws and rebelled against His precepts, yet continued to practice religious rituals.
Even worse, they claimed innocence. Falsely believing that mere religious ritual was sufficient, they claimed they were not committing any transgression against God and the covenant. The ultimate betrayal was when the Jewish leaders of Jesus’ day gave Him up to the Romans to be crucified.
Proverbs 28.25
“A greedy man stirs up strife, but the one who trusts in the Lord will be enriched.”
The contrast here is between those who are selfish and greedy versus those who trust God and are generous and giving. Those who trust the Lord are hard working people who are also considerate of the needs of others. Through their faithfulness and diligence, they enrich themselves and those around them.
The selfish and greedy are the people who are always wanting and pushing for more. They are never satisfied or content. They don’t work hard, but they want more. Because they want without working, they are contentious and combative with other people from whom they are trying to get (or take) the things they want. They are jealous and resentful of what others have, and thus fights break out.
The greedy end up diminishing themselves and others.
