Proverbs 15:25-27 (ESV)
25 The Lord tears down the house of the proud
but maintains the widow’s boundaries.
26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord,
but gracious words are pure.
27 Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household,
but he who hates bribes will live.
Ancient boundary markers were used to designate personal property lines. Those who were crooked would slightly but continually move these land markers, and over long periods of time, the deceptive would end up with more than they legitimately owned. But God protects even the widow, who has been left without a husband, against the arrogant crook. The Lord detests the deceitful practices of the wicked. The intentions and the words of the upright, who have no selfish agendas, are of great worth in the eyes of God. The greedy woman is self-destructive, setting herself against the Lord. The woman who rejects flattery, manipulation and shady financial conduct is wise. In the end, she and her family will be blessed. Are you honest when it comes to financial transactions? Do you pay what you owe and give as you should? Even if no one else sees you taking what doesn’t really belong to you, God does.