Leviticus 25:17 
“Do not take advantage of each other, but fear your God. I am the Lord your God.” (NIV)

“Don’t cheat each other. Fear your God. I am GOD, your God.” (The Message)

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This verse is found in the context of rules governing the buying and selling of land in the Promised Land. Land was generally not to be sold for keeps. It was sold on a temporary basis until the Year of Jubilee, when the land would be restored to its original family owners. 

In essence, land was sold for the number of crops that could be harvested during the time remaining before the next Jubilee. Residents were required to price the land for sale fairly on this basis, no cheating. 

This is still a good rule. 

This is a good rule in every area of our lives. 

Years ago, one of the churches in our area had declined to the point that only six well-aged members remained in the congregation. They were Anglos in a neighborhood that did not share their culture or native language. Our team suggested on more than one occasion that they sell their property to another church or that they allow us to start another church in their large, roomy, uninhabited facility. 

They said no. 

Then one day, people started showing up. Six old white people suddenly became a group of mixed ethnicities with over fifty in attendance. The longtime members felt vindicated at their refusal to sell or give away their property. 

Then the new members called for a vote. They voted out the longtime members from their leadership positions and installed new leaders. This gave the new leaders access to the rather large bank account. One new member, recently released from prison, rather enjoyed having charge of the checkbook. 

Then the church had another growth spurt, and another group voted out the group that voted out the Old Anglos. 

I’m guessing none of these people considered Leviticus 25:17 during these transactions. There was a whole lotta cheatin’ going on. I’m guessing they missed both halves of this verse, particularly the second half. 

Money, property, and bank accounts can make otherwise noble activities ignoble at best, criminal at worst. Brethren and Sistren, this should not be. 

Squeaky-clean people get laughed at by the less scrupulous. Who would you rather do business with? Mr. and Mrs. Squeaky-Clean? Or, Mr. and Mrs. Cheater Cheater Pumpkin Eater? 

Two rules from this verse:
1. Don’t take advantage of each other.
2. Honor God.

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I will honor God and bless others in how I do business.

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Our Father, make us ever more Squeaky-Clean in our financial dealings, and in every other area of our lives. Make us trustworthy and true. May our words declare truth and our behavior draw trust and confidence. Amen.