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Do they not go astray who devise evil? Those who devise good meet steadfast love and faithfulness (Proverbs 14:22, ESV). Think about what is being said here. The plotters of evil are worse than those who actually do evil. Sometimes the evil done is on the “spur of the moment” with no planning. The planner, however, has a heart that is devises evil – a lot like the devil with cunning seeking to destroy. On the other hand, the one who plans to do good not only is doing something virtuous in making plans to benefit someone else, but that which is received by them in accomplishing their plan is even greater. The positive response is sometimes greater than the action done because there is an understanding of what it means to love God and one’s neighbor.
This is a topic which our society would do well to contemplate seriously. I am minded here of a favorite text of mine from one of what I call “the social prophets” (namely Micah and Amos): “Woe to those who devise wickedness and work evil upon their beds! When the morning dawns they perform it, because it is in the power of their hand. They covet fields, and seize them; and houses and take them away; they oppress a man and his house, and man and his inheritance” (Micah 2:1-2)
The oppression of the poor by the rich is a biblical theme which is most practical as most societies have rich and powerful who exploit and cheat the poor. It is in the fact the rich and the powerful who have the means and the opportunity to “premeditate” evil, and as you well point out, this is an evil indeed.
James the Just quite candidly speaks of those who cheat laborers out of worthy wages by warning them that their cheating ways and their means and meanness of exploiting the labors of their fellow man cry out, which in Jame’s view meant that such cries reach the ears of the Lord (James 5:1-4)
Indeed, were I to believe in God, I would not want to be one who premeditates evil by foreclosing on the poor and the needy (MIcah 2:3); or one who underpays or cheats laborers out of living wages (James 5:1-4)
For if there is a God, and if there is a judgment, then the the premeditated evil and the oppressive ways of the rich and the powerful will be upon the ear of the Lord of judgment.
Not a pleasant thought nor would such be a desirable state of being
Either way, Bible writers like Micah and James (among others) certainly seem to understand that premeditated evil and the oppression of the poor by the rich is not a desirable way of living, nor should one enable, nor should one want to be such a person.
Or at least such seems to be the case to me.
Good article Ron.