WHAT GOES AROUND…

Ecclesiastes 7:13-15

¹³ Watch what God is doing, because who can make straight what he has bent? ¹⁴ In those times when you are flourishing — be joyful, but in those times when you face misfortune think about this: God has made one as well as the other, with the result that no one can know for sure what the future holds. ¹⁵ During the days of my impermanent life I have seen both of these things: Sometimes a virtuous man dies prematurely in spite of his virtue, and sometimes an evil man lives long in spite of the evil things he does.

cockeyed karma

Sometimes when you read the wisdom literature – particularly Proverbs – you get the idea that karma is happening, because there are so many admonitions to do the right thing, with assurances that God will bless you for the choice. But the collector comes on the scene (along with Job) and tells the other side of the story. Karma does not always work. Sometimes God sends you a curve ball, and you get what someone else deserves. Living right does not come with guarantees. The LORD wants children who obey him because they respect and love him, not for the rewards.

LORD, give us the wisdom to do what is right, even when we get no reward.