Proverbs 16:8
Better is a little with righteousness, than vast revenues without justice.
Bible Reading for a Year [bible]prove14[/bible]; [bible]galat3[/bible]; [bible]iking9-10[/bible]
Among many controversies in boxing, the rematch between Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson on June 28, 1997 was probably the most memorable one. On the running third round, Tyson unexpectedly bit off part of Holyfield’s ear. The referee immediately dismissed the match and Tyson was declared the loser and had to be punished.
Of course there is nothing wrong with the desire to gain or reach something. It is fair for someone who works hard to make his dream comes true or to reach success. But the problem is when one justifies all things—including breaking the norm and against the law to fulfill his desire.
The story of Naboth’s vineyard is quite similar with the above story, even though the end is quite different. Since Holyfield was hurt but survived, Naboth, on the contrary, died in the end of the story.
It is written that King Ahab wanted to occupy vineyard near his palace. He already knew that the vineyard belonged to Naboth. Thus, King Ahab met Naboth and told him his purpose. Naboth refused the proposal because the vineyard was the inheritance of his fathers.
Thanks to tricky Jezebel, King Ahab finally got Naboth’s vineyard. But the scandalous ways they used to get the vineyard provoked God and then He condemned King Ahab and his whole family.
The lesson from the story of Naboth’s vineyard and incident of Tyson bit off Holyfield’s ear is, we should not merely focus on the desire to get something. Be very careful with the ways to get it, as well. Because everything gained with tricks and cunning way cannot be blessing. On top of that, it can be curse to our life. – AYA
The result is important, but the way to get the result is important as well.