The Perils of Power and Profit

Often, people look at the power and structures of evil and become depressed. They ask, “Is this really God’s world? Has it gotten away from Him? Does He still have control over the world and its inhabitants?”

God speaks through Habakkuk and announces His judgment on those who have wronged other humans through oppression.

Shall not everyone taunt such people and, with mocking riddles, say about them,
“Alas for you who heap up what is not your own!”
How long will you load yourselves with goods taken in pledge?

Will not your own creditors suddenly rise
and those who make you tremble wake up?
Then you will be plunder for them.

Because you have plundered many nations,
all who survive of the peoples shall plunder you—
because of human bloodshed and violence to the earth,
to cities and all who live in them. Habakkuk 2.6-8

Payday loans might be one modern example of what Habakkuk was discussing 600 years before the time of Christ.

According to one Internet article, the annual percentage rate for payday loans can vary widely depending on the lender and the state’s regulations, but it is not uncommon to see APRs ranging from about 300% to over 600%.

As of January 2024, the average interest rate among credit card offers is 22.92%. As of the third quarter of 2023, the average credit card balance in America is reported to be $10,263 per household. When rounding the numbers, the average credit card holder pays $2,200 per year in interest.

Is it possible that God has a message of woe for those who amass significant profits by exploiting the poor, especially in an economy that disproportionately favors the wealthy?

Faulty Security Systems

The second woe focuses on those who exploit other people for their own gain. This is clearly dishonest behavior, in its varied forms, aimed at enriching people at the expense of others.

“Alas for you who get evil gain for your house,
setting your nest on high
to be safe from the reach of harm!”

You have devised shame for your house
by cutting off many peoples;
you have forfeited your life.

The very stones will cry out from the wall,
and the rafter will respond from the woodwork. Habakkuk 2.9-11

A current example of this practice is Alex Jones, who was taken to court for causing harm to the parents of Sandy Hook victims through the spread of disinformation, which he used to accumulate personal wealth.

He is now attempting to shield himself using America’s bankruptcy laws. However, these laws will not safeguard him from divine judgment, as there is a pronouncement of woe over his actions.

Bankruptcy protections will not shield him from higher accountability.

Judgment Coming

Hebrews states, “It is appointed for mortals to die once and after that the judgment” (Hebrews 9.27).

What we should know, but may overlook is that humans have a single earthly life followed by God’s judgment.

The Bible refers to someone as a fool if they do not believe in accountability for their actions (Psalm 14:1-4).

The calamities that Habakkuk predicts for the people will occur within their lifetime. However, as stated in Hebrews, judgment follows thereafter. While an individual may evade consequences in this earthly life, escaping God’s judgment is impossible.

These words should bring comfort to those who have been oppressed by the powerful, and serve as a moment for reflection for the oppressors. The ultimate aim of listening to the prophets is to encourage repentance.

YouTube Video

Rudy Ross and I discuss this passage on YouTube today. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.