Proverbs 20:21-25

Proverbs 20:21-25
English Standard Version
21 An inheritance gained hastily in the beginning
    will not be blessed in the end.
22 Do not say, “I will repay evil”;
    wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you.
23 Unequal weights are an abomination to the LORD,
    and false scales are not good.
24 A man's steps are from the LORD;
    how then can man understand his way?
25 It is a snare to say rashly, “It is holy,”
    and to reflect only after making vows.

---

An inheritance is not something you work for; it is something you receive that someone else has worked their whole life for in order to leave you something upon their death.  If you get that inheritance in a large lump sum all at once instead of having the executor make regular disbursements, it is easy to blow through that money and not to wisely save or invest it (maybe as an inheritance for your dependents).  Just think of the parable of the Prodigal Son and how he asked for his inheritance before his father died and then wasted all of it on wild living.

Do not take vengeance for yourself.  Wait for the LORD to repay evildoers in His way and in His time, as He is both Judge and the Justifier.  He desires they come to repentance, but if they do not, He will judge them based on their actions.  Trust the LORD to deliver you either through changing the hearts of the wicked, or by judging them.

The LORD hates it when we take advantage of each other to try to chat, swindle, and steal from each other--especially those who are our "brothers" and "sisters" (the Israelites were doing this to those that were family as well as those that were extended family and of a common faith).  God didn't even want them treating the aliens and strangers this way though as it damaged His name and reputation that His people were dishonest and preferred money to honor and integrity.  It is not worth the gain if it was earned in a dishonest manner.

We are to let the LORD direct each and every step.  We won't be able to see and discern the entire path that He wants us to walk, but we rely on Him to tell us and direct us for what step we are to take next.  We trust Him to know and take care of the "big picture" and the fine details too.  He is all-knowing and all-wise, and every decision He makes is for His glory and for the good of all those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

Do not be so quick to make a vow and dedicate something to the LORD and then have second thoughts and reservations.  Fully examine such choices before making them and count the cost--especially when it comes to giving your life to the LORD for Him to save you and make you new.  It is both "free" and "costly" at the same time.  You don't bring anything to the equation, but you do give Him total control over your life and permission to transform you into who He wants you to be.  The person that is not willing to surrender everything has no reason to say that he wants to be a disciple of Jesus.  Once we give something to the LORD (including ourselves) we should not go back on our word.  Carefully consider every vow you intend to make and never break your vows.