Contemplative Bible Reading

Malachi 3:5 (New Living Translation)

“At that time I will put you on trial. I am eager to witness against all sorcerers and adulterers and liars. I will speak against those who cheat employees of their wages, who oppress widows and orphans, or who deprive the foreigners living among you of justice, for these people do not fear me,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

The prophet gives a list of offenses committed by the people. Look at the list:

• sorcery
• adultery
• lying
• cheating employees of wages
• oppressing widows
• oppressing orphans
• depriving foreigners of justice

This is horrible conduct. Wait a moment. What is that fourth bullet? “Cheating employees of wages.” How did that become part of this list? It doesn’t rank up their with sorcery and adultery, does it?

Employees should be happy to have a job. Right? Look at the economy now. What is the problem here? Hmm, God sees a problem here. Perhaps I should adjust my sights on what God considers to be horrible.