The end does not justify the means

Things will never look good if one does evil for short term gain. Short cuts do not work. Thoroughness and hard work always win the day. We cannot, and should not, take things for granted. Many times we justify the means with the end. This is a solid wrong.

Isaiah 5:7

For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel,

And the men of Judah are His pleasant plant.

He looked for justice, but behold, oppression;

For righteousness, but behold, a cry for help.

The message in this chapter is clear. There was much injustice and profiteering in Jerusalem. Judgement was coming upon them because they were not abiding in God. Everything is done for personal gain without due regard for others. Everyone probably did what was right in their own eyes.

God gave them a great start by promising and giving the people of Israel the promised land. They prospered but yielded to greed and evil.

I am reminded yet again of the need for those in authority, the government of the land, to demonstrate two important character qualities. Compassion and Justice. This must never be overtaken by greed and evil. Otherwise, we get "wild grapes" as the people of Israel experienced.

Father, speak to all sides of the political divide and the civil service to be compassionate and just.

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