Proverbs 10:2
Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death.

Have you ever heard of Bernard Lawrence Madoff? Maybe you know him better by Bernie Madoff. He confessed to his sons on December 10, 2008, that the asset management arm of his securities investment firm was a giant Ponzi scheme or, as he put it, “one big lie.” That “big lie” cost his clients $65 billion. But before it was exposed, the “big lie” provided a lavish lifestyle for the Madoff family.

When Madoff and his wife were not on their $7 million yacht, they were hanging out in their $7 million Manhattan apartment, their $3 million Montauk home, or their $11 million residence in Palm Beach. And, of course, there was $12.5 million worth of furniture, household goods, art and jewelry.

Proverbs 10:2
Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death.

Madoff went to prison after being convicted of operating one of the largest investor frauds ever committed by a single person. He was sentenced to 150 years behind bars and died there in 2021. Madoff’s life is a reminder that “treasures gained by wickedness do not profit.” But the treasure of righteousness that Jesus provides allows us to pass from death to life.

Father, protect us from the glittering treasures that surround us. Keep us from the temptation of shortcuts. Build us as men and women of integrity. Thank you for the imputed righteousness of Jesus that delivers the believer from certain and final death.
In Christ’s name.
Amen.