Sep '24 • Wisdom
Restitution
‘But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.’ Proverbs 6:31
This verse underscores the principle of restitution. While Proverbs 6:30 acknowledges that people may understand the desperate motivations of a thief, verse 31 makes it clear that, once caught, the thief is still held accountable for his actions. The law of restitution demands that the thief not only return what was stolen but do so in an overwhelming measure—sevenfold. This reflects the high cost of sin and the consequences that must be faced, no matter the circumstances behind the wrongdoing. The "sevenfold" restitution also indicates completeness, illustrating that sin often demands more from us than we initially realize.
This concept of repayment or restitution is found throughout Scripture. In Exodus 22:1, the law declares, "If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep." This shows that God’s justice demands not only restoration of what was taken but also a costly repayment for the wrong committed. In the same way, sin often leads to consequences that extend beyond the initial act. The thief in Proverbs 6:31 may have only taken enough to satisfy his hunger, but the consequence for his theft requires him to pay back far more than what he stole.
In a spiritual sense, this verse points to the fact that sin always takes more from us than it gives. We may be tempted to believe that we can sin without facing major consequences, but once exposed, the cost becomes much greater than we anticipated. Galatians 6:7 reminds us, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” The thief may steal, thinking he can satisfy his immediate need, but when caught, the price he must pay far exceeds the gain from his theft. This principle applies to all sin, showing that what we gain in the short term is outweighed by the lasting consequences of wrongdoing.
Practically, Proverbs 6:31 teaches that accountability and restitution are necessary parts of repentance and justice. When we sin, it’s not enough to simply feel remorse or ask for forgiveness; true repentance involves making amends where possible and bearing the cost of our actions. This is why Jesus, in Luke 19:8, commended Zacchaeus for his willingness to restore fourfold what he had wrongfully taken. Zacchaeus understood that true repentance comes with a willingness to pay the cost of one’s sin. Similarly, we are called to take responsibility for our actions, even if it means giving up much. This devotion challenges us to consider the real cost of sin and to seek righteousness in both our actions and our hearts, trusting in God’s grace to lead us to repentance and restoration.
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Restitution
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