FRAUD IN THE BIBLE - WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT FRAUD/FRAUDSTER
Proverbs 13:11, Proverbs 10:2-3, Proverbs 20:17, Proverbs 21:6, Matthew 7:12
Jeremiah 17:11 (NIV):
"Like a partridge that hatches eggs it did not lay
are those who gain riches by unjust means.
When their lives are half gone, their riches will desert them,
and in the end, they will prove to be fools."
Fraud, characterized by deception, dishonesty, and the intentional misrepresentation of facts, is an act that is strongly condemned in the Bible and is a serious offense in the eyes of God. The Scriptures provide clear teachings on the importance of integrity, honesty, and ethical conduct in all aspects of life. the Bible does not only talk about those who participate in the act but also those who Support them, give the accolades, and say good about them.
Proverbs 17:15, 2 John 1:11, Romans 1:32, 2 Corinthians 6:14,Ephesians 5:11, Proverbs 24:24-25
1. DEFINITION OF FRAUD:
Fraud can be defined as the deliberate act of deceiving others for personal gain or advantage. It involves distorting the truth, manipulating circumstances, or misrepresenting oneself or information to achieve one's own ends. Fraud encompasses various forms, including financial fraud, false testimonies, cheating, and dishonest business practices.
2. GOD'S VIEW ON FRAUD:
A) GOD'S CHARACTER: The Bible affirms that God is a God of truth, honesty, and integrity. In John 14:6, Jesus declares, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life." God's nature serves as the ultimate standard of righteousness and sets the foundation for moral conduct.
B) COMMANDMENTS AGAINST FRAUD: The Bible contains explicit commandments that condemn fraudulent behavior. Exodus 20:16 states, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor," emphasizing the prohibition of false testimony and deceit. Proverbs 11:1 further highlights the importance of honesty, stating, "A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight."
3. THE SIN OF FRAUD
Fraud is fundamentally a sin against God and others. It violates the commandments of love, honesty, and fairness that God has given to His people. Proverbs 6:16-19 lists seven things that the Lord hates, and one of them is "a lying tongue." Fraud goes against the very nature of God, who is characterized by truthfulness and justice.
The Bible contains several accounts of individuals who engaged in fraudulent or deceitful practices. While the consequences varied depending on the specific circumstances and the individuals involved, these stories serve as cautionary tales about the destructive nature of fraud and the eventual accountability before God. Here are a few notable examples:
A: JACOB AND LABAN (Genesis 30-31):
Jacob, mentioned earlier, engaged in deceptive practices when dealing with his uncle Laban. Laban changed Jacob's wages multiple times, attempting to cheat him. In response, Jacob resorted to his own schemes, selectively breeding livestock to gain an advantage. While Jacob eventually prospered and escaped Laban's oppression, his fraudulent actions contributed to a strained relationship and years of personal struggle.
B: GEHAZI (2 Kings 5:20-27):
Gehazi was the servant of the prophet Elisha. After witnessing the healing of Naaman, a prominent Syrian commander, Gehazi pursued personal gain by secretly accepting gifts from Naaman. When Elisha confronted him about his actions, Gehazi was struck with leprosy, a physical manifestation of the consequences of his greed and deceit.
C: JUDAS ISCARIOT (Matthew 26:14-16, 26:47-50):
Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' disciples, infamously betrayed Jesus to the religious authorities for thirty pieces of silver. His act of betrayal involved deceit and fraud. Judas ultimately experienced deep remorse for his actions and tried to return the money, but it was too late. Consumed by guilt, he tragically took his own life. Judas serves as a cautionary example of the devastating consequences of greed, betrayal, and fraudulent behavior.
D. ANANIAS AND SAPPHIRA (Acts 5:1-11):
Ananias and his wife Sapphira conspired to deceive the early Christian community by selling a piece of property but withholding a portion of the proceeds while pretending to give the full amount. When confronted by the apostle Peter, they both fell dead as a result of their deceit. This incident demonstrated the severity of their sin and served as a warning to the early believers about the importance of honesty and integrity.
E. YOU AND I : Yes you and I have at one time or the other committed fraud in one way or the other. Yes you remember when you told that customer that you bought a goods for #10,000 instead of the initial #8,000 you bought it so you can be able to sell it to him/her for #11,000? Proverbs 11:1, Proverbs 16:8, Proverbs 20:23. you can remember when you told that child that you will buy him ice cream when returning from where you are going to so he can allow you to go, did you buy it for him ? Ephesians 4:25 did you remember when that man sent you Transport money to come visit him as you promised over your chat with him, die you visit him like you promised? but instead you blocked him. Matthew 7:12
4. THE CONSEQUENCES OF FRAUD:
A) TEMPORAL CONSEQUENCES:
The Bible warns that those who engage in fraudulent practices will experience temporal consequences affecting both the perpetrator and the victim. Proverbs 21:6 states, "The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death." Ill-gotten gains obtained through fraud are ultimately temporary and can lead to ruin and destruction.
Proverbs 13:5 warns, "The righteous hates falsehood, but the wicked brings shame and disgrace." Fraudulent actions can result in damaged reputations, broken relationships, and legal repercussions.
B) SPIRITUAL CONSEQUENCES:
Fraud is a sin that distances individuals from God's presence and blessings. Proverbs 28:9, reminds us that the prayers of the unrighteous is an abomination to the Lord. Proverbs 21:27 reminds us, "The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more when he brings it with evil intent." Dishonesty and fraudulence hinder one's relationship with God and hinder spiritual growth. Isaiah 1:15 (NIV):
"When you spread out your hands in prayer,
I hide my eyes from you;
even when you offer many prayers,
I am not listening.
Your hands are full of blood!"
C) LOSS OF BLESSINGS:
Fraud can lead to the loss of God's blessings and favor. Proverbs 11:18-19 states, "The wicked earns deceptive wages, but one who sows righteousness gets a sure reward. Whoever is steadfast in righteousness will live, but he who pursues evil will die." God promises blessings and rewards to those who walk in righteousness, but the wicked, including those who engage in fraud, will ultimately face negative consequences. Luke 16:10-11 (NIV):
"Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?" loss of customers in business. bearing false witness, supporting people who are evil.
5. DIVINE JUSTICE AND JUDGMENT:
A) GOD'S OMNISCIENCE: The Bible affirms that God is omniscient and knows all things, including the fraudulent acts committed in secret. Proverbs 15:3 declares, "The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good." God's perfect knowledge ensures that no act of fraud goes unnoticed or unpunished.
B) THE DAY OF RECKONING: The Bible teaches that there will be a day of reckoning when God will judge every individual, including those who have engaged in fraudulent practices. Ecclesiastes 12:14 states, "For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil." This verse underscores the certainty that all acts of fraud will be brought before God's judgment seat.
C) ETERNAL CONSEQUENCES: The Bible teaches that those who persist in a life of fraud and refuse to repent will face eternal consequences. Revelation 21:8 warns, "But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death." This verse highlights the seriousness of fraud and its eternal ramifications.
6. CALL TO REPENTANCE AND RESTORATION:
The Bible also extends a message of hope and redemption to those who have engaged in fraud. God's desire is for repentance and restoration. Proverbs 28:13 encourages individuals to confess their sins and turn away from them, saying, "Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy."
A) Walk in Integrity: Proverbs 10:9 advises, "Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out." Believers are called to live lives of honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior, avoiding any form of deceit or fraudulent practices.
B) Seek God's Wisdom: Proverbs 2:6-7 encourages believers to seek wisdom from God, which includes discernment to recognize and avoid fraudulent schemes. Through prayer, studying the Word, and seeking godly counsel, believers can gain the wisdom needed to navigate potential fraudulent situations.
C) Practice Restitution and Repentance: Genuine repentance involves acknowledging and confessing fraudulent actions, seeking forgiveness from God and those affected. Restitution, where possible, involves making amends and restoring what was wrongfully taken or obtained.
Genuine repentance should be accompanied by acts of restitution. Luke 19:8 records the story of Zacchaeus, a tax collector who repented and promised to repay those he had defrauded. Jesus commended his repentance and declared, "Today salvation has come to this house."
The Bible outrightly condemns fraud and emphasizes the importance of integrity, honesty, and ethical conduct. It teaches that those who engage in fraudulent practices will face temporal consequences, loss of blessings, and ultimately divine judgment. The Bible also extends the message of repentance and restoration, offering hope and mercy to those who genuinely turn away from fraud and seek forgiveness. As believers, it is our responsibility to uphold the biblical teachings on integrity and honesty, and to pursue righteousness in all our dealings, knowing that God is just and will hold all accountable for their actions.
