In a world of freedom of choice, some choices inevitably lead to bad results.
Actions yield consequences. We know we reap what we sow, but many don’t realize the source of the saying is in the Bible. Thousands of years ago one of Job’s friends, who was no stranger to suffering observed that “those who plow iniquity and sow trouble reap the same” -Job 4:8.
Centuries later the Hebrew Prophet Hosea looked at the sad spiritual condition of the kingdom of Isreal. Idolatry, violence and immortality were commonplace (Hosea 2:1-23; 4:1-19). Within a few years a mighty Assyrian empire would sweep in from the east and lay waste, slaughtering thousands of its inhabitants and enslaving its survivors. God revealed to Hosea what was coming and why. “They sow the wind, and reap the whirlwind” (Hosea 8:7), “You have plowed wickedness; you have reaped iniquity” You have eaten the fruit of lies…” -Hosea 10:13.
When thousands die in natural disasters, hurricanes, typhoons, tornadoes, and droughts -people blame God. Yet, as God told the ancient Israelites. He would bless them with favorable weather only if they obeyed Him -Leviticus 26:3-4;Deuteronomy 28:12. Most chose not no obey. That decision affected not only their own lives but the lives of their children, who fell victim to their parents foolish choices. The innocent often suffer for the sins of others. That is one of the tragic consequences of wrong choices.
When we analyze suffering, we can learn a great deal if we will only trace the circumstances back to their cause. Proverbs 22:3 warns us to consider the long term consequences of our choices. “A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself; but the simple pass on and are punished.”
When we look for the major causes of suffering, we don’t need to look any further than ourselves. In one way or another sin is the underlying cause of most suffering.
From Pity to Praise 