In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus teaches us to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11). This simple yet profound request carries a powerful promise: daily provision for each individual. God is the ultimate provider, and His system ensures that every person has access to what they need. The Bible even reminds us that God “makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45), underscoring that His provision is abundant and impartial.
Yet, despite God’s generosity, many people are not content with the bread He provides. Proverbs 20:17 declares, “Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth will be full of gravel.” This verse illustrates a timeless truth: wealth or success acquired through corruption, greed, or deceit may appear attractive initially, but it carries an inevitable cost. Ill-gotten gains may seem pleasurable, but they bring frustration, trouble, and consequences that often extend to one’s household.
Greed is at the heart of this issue. Proverbs 15:27 warns, “Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household, but he who hates bribes will live.” Those who pursue wealth outside God’s provision often enjoy temporary success, but the structures they build are unstable. Their families may lose security, and the prosperity they seemed to enjoy can collapse. While it may be easy to drive a luxurious car or live in a grand house obtained through deceit, the Bible assures us that there is always a price to pay.
The pattern is clear: anything acquired outside of God’s system—through corruption, manipulation, or theft—is ultimately destructive. Ecclesiastes 7:7 says, “Surely extortion turns a wise man into a fool, and a bribe corrupts the heart.” Wealth gained unlawfully or unethically may initially appear sweet, but it corrupts the soul and leaves lasting consequences. Proverbs 4:24 adds a moral dimension: “Put away from you a deceitful mouth; and put perverse lips far from you.” Integrity in word and deed forms the foundation for lasting provision.
By contrast, those who prosper through God’s provision and operate with integrity build legacies that endure beyond their lifetime. Their success benefits not only themselves but also their families and communities. Skills, diligence, and faithful stewardship under God’s guidance create wealth that is sustainable and blessing-laden. There is no shortcut to true prosperity, and patience and obedience are essential.
As a nation and as individuals, we are called to align our lives with God’s system of provision. While society often celebrates those who acquire wealth quickly or through clever schemes, Scripture reminds us that divine justice prevails.
Proverbs 13:11 teaches, “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” The long-term success of a life built on God’s principles far outweighs temporary gains from corruption.
My desire, in writing this article, is to challenge both individuals and society to pursue wealth and provision ethically, faithfully, and biblically. Let us trust God as our provider, use our skills and talents with integrity, and resist the temptation to gain through deception or manipulation. By doing so, we not only secure blessings for ourselves but also create lasting generational legacies.
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In conclusion, the bread God provides may not always be the quickest or seemingly easiest path, but it is the path of life, stability, and peace. Bread gained by deceit may seem sweet at first, but its consequences are bitter and destructive. May we, as individuals and as a nation, commit to building lives, families, and systems on God’s principles, trusting Him to supply our daily bread and to bless the works of our hands.
God bless you.
