Proverbs 13:15, from which the title of this article comes, we would know to be true even if we did not read it in the Bible. This truth can be learned from experience, from a study of history or from observation. Sin is by its very nature difficult. While the devil certainly attempts to paint a different picture, sin always reaps a harvest of trouble! Sometimes sin’s consequences are delayed in coming (Ecclesiastes 8:11), but they will always come. Despite this guarantee, many go on in sin and bring upon themselves the “hard way.” God’s Word is inundated with references to sinners who failed to heed this truth.
Firstly, consider Cain. He transgressed regarding the matter of worship. God was clear on what He wanted concerning worship (Hebrews 11:4; Romans 10:17). However, Cain did what many continue to do today. He self-reasoned that God would accept whatever it was Cain gave. Sadly, how many today attempt to worship God based on their own desires? God is clear on the matter of worship (John 4:24), and regardless what man says will not change that fact! Cain’s transgression, like all transgressions, had to be punished. God rebuked Cain (Genesis 4:10-12) and expressed the hardship of his sin. “And Cain said unto the Lord, My punishment is greater than I can bear. Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me shall slay me” (Genesis 4:13-14). How hard is the way of the transgressor!
Secondly, consider Haman. Haman’s pride and prejudice were deep-seated. He passed a law that everyone would bow down to him, which manifested his pride (Esther 3:2). He hated all the Jews when one refused to bow, which manifested his prejudice (Esther 3:5-6). He then set in motion a diabolical plan to destroy the Jews. However, harvest time came. His pride was deflated when he led Mordecai through the streets (Esther 6:7-11). Interestingly, his life was ended on the very gallows he had prepared for another (Esther 7:9-10). Pride is a serious sin among God’s people. Are you proud? Someone correctly said, Pride looks highly on self, lowly on others and falsely on God. Is the way of transgressors hard? Ask Haman as he ascended the steps of his own gallows!
Thirdly, consider the rich man. Interestingly, the Bible does not indicate that he obtained his wealth in a dishonest way. He just simply was not benevolent (Luke 16:21). He wasn’t outwardly mean to Lazarus; he just “looked past Lazarus.” Some are not necessarily sinful from the outside looking in. They may just be a bit selfish and not willing to look out for others. Consider how many people go about their day, simply focused on themselves. They worship, and at the worship they see widows and widowers who are lonely, children who are abandoned, and others who are discouraged, and yet, they never lift a finger to encourage or help these ones in any way. They are so wrapped up in themselves that they cannot see further than “the noses on their faces.” Someone has correctly said, “A man wrapped up in himself makes a pretty small package!” Ask the rich man about the hardness of being selfish and wrapped up in himself.
Ironically, there are no exceptions to this rule (Galatians 6:6-10). The way of transgressors is a hard way to go! The good news is that you do not have to travel this way. Heed the inspired penman’s words, “Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation…” (Hebrews 2:1-3a).
