17:3 Whoever rewards evil for good, Evil will not depart from his house.
I read this verse two ways.
First, we should not reward evil, because then Evil sticks around. Just like the stray cat we choose to feed “just this once” that keeps coming back to our door. Evil learns quickly where our vulnerabilities are and moves in to exploit them.
Naturally, Evil doesn’t show up looking evil; if Evil was obviously evil, most of us wouldn’t give it the time of day. But, no, Evil is much more subtle than that. It usually shows up masquerading as something good, worthwhile, or fun; at “worst,” Evil looks benign.
It’s a quick hit of cocaine that someone justifies as “just this once.” Or losing our temper “because he (or she) made me mad.” It’s the government official abusing their power because “it’s for a good cause.”
Each one is an entry point for Evil into our lives and into the lives of those we touch. As long as we continue rewarding, excusing, or ignoring evil, the stray cat keeps coming back (and wanting more).
As I thought about this, I saw another interpretation – we should not reward good with evil. I’m not talking about the obviously good stuff that benefits everyone. I mean the good stuff that makes US uncomfortable.
The justified criticism of a friend who loves us enough to call us on our “crap.” Fighting off the need to “help” our spouse or kids by criticizing a less than perfect result the first (or tenth) time they’re trying something new we asked them to do.
While it may not rise to the level of Jesus challenging the Pharisees and Sadducees – their position, status, and self-righteousness. How often do people crucify friendships because being called on our “crap” made us uncomfortable? How many families are broken because a husband, or wife, or both of them as parents reward the good faith efforts of others with criticism?
See? It’s insidious, isn’t it?
Just remember, don’t reward evil; and don’t reward good with evil.
