Sober Not Boring

Welcome to Set Free 24 7! We are taking a Journey Through the Message and it's an action-packed day as we learn about servanthood, shipwrecks, and a how-to guide for sacred celebrations! We begin today in Matthew 20:17-34: Jesus predicts His death and resurrection, but His disciples miss the memo. He teaches them that greatness comes from serving others, not hogging the spotlight.

Acts 27:27-44: Paul and his buddies get caught in a wild storm and end up shipwrecked. But fear not! An angel pops up to assure Paul that everyone will make it out alive. They reach shore, defying the odds and proving God keeps His promises.

Psalm 45: It's a jam-worthy royal wedding song! This catchy tune celebrates a king's epic qualities like wisdom, strength, and righteousness. He's like a VIP representing God's blessings and ruling the dance floor forever.

Leviticus 21-23: Calling all priests! These chapters are your ultimate guide to priestly life. From staying squeaky clean to throwing unforgettable festivals, it's all about keeping the holiness vibes strong. It's like a holy rulebook to make sure everyone's on their A-game.

Join us as we Journey Through The Message!

Continue the conversation on our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/5879162978841385 

Want to follow along with us? Get the Message Devotional Bible HERE! https://amzn.to/3IBtT6F 

Need a LARGE PRINT VERSION? -- https://amzn.to/3IO01nJ

Welcome to a Journey through the Message! Today we have an action-packed day in the Bible for you. We're reading out of four separate passages. The first is Matthew 20. This is a parable that Jesus tells about a landowner who hires workers throughout the day to work in his vineyard. And then at the end of the day, the landowner pays all of the workers the same amount of money, regardless of how long they worked. How would you feel if your boss did that to you? So this parable really challenges our perceptions of fairness and generosity and just reminds us of God's unconditional love and grace.

Next, we have Acts Chapter 27. This passage recounts the harrowing journey of the apostle Paul and his companions as they sail from Cree to Rome. Along the way, they encounter a fierce storm that threatens to sink their ship. Now, through prayer and faith in God, Paul encourages the crew to persevere, stay tuned to see if they make it safely to shore.

The next passage that we have is Psalm 44. This Psalm expresses deep sorrow and the confusion that the psalmist feels as they experience suffering and defeat. Have you ever felt like that? Just defeated Well despite their anguish, the Psalmist truss in God's steadfast love and asked for his help in their time of need.

And then we end the day in Leviticus. That's right. Buckle up for some Leviticus. We have chapters 18, 19, and 20 today. These are a collection of laws that emphasize the importance of holiness and obedience to God's commands. They cover a wide range of topics from sexual morality to honoring one's parents and provide guidance for living a righteous and holy life in accordance with God's will.

It's another action-packed day on a journey through the message. I'm not pushy or preachy. I'm just happy that you're here. So thanks for checking us out. Grab a cup of coffee, and maybe buckle up if you're driving right now. Put those headphones on and we'll see you on the Journey through the Message.

Jim Wahlberg aims to serve God by writing, speaking, filmmaking and serving our community. James serves as the executive director of the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation, which was created to improve the quality of life for inner-city youth through a working partnership with other youth organizations. James Wahlberg is a producer, writer, and director of films, and uses his talents and experiences to raise awareness about opioid addiction and point to the hope found in Christ. He is the author of The Big Hustle. He is the host of The Bottom Line Podcast. James has been married to his lovely wife Bennie for 30 years and they have 3 children.

For more information on Restorative Justice and how you can be a part of change in your community, visit https://grdiocese.org/mirestorativejustice/

Watch a powerful video about how a mother whose son was murdered forgave her son's killer https://youtu.be/AucWsCEAiwM

We begin today in Matthew, where we read about the story of a rich young man who asks Jesus how to inherit eternal life but doesn't like his answer very much. Could you sell everything you own and follow Jesus? That's a big question and one to think about. 

In Acts 26:19-32, we hear Paul's defense before King Agrippa, in which he recounts his conversion to Christianity and his mission to preach the Gospel to both Jews and Gentiles. Despite his persuasive arguments, Agrippa is not convinced to become a Christian. But that doesn't stop Paul from roasting Festus while he is at it! 

In Psalm 43 we hear a plea for God's protection and deliverance from enemies. The psalmist asks God to vindicate him and lead him to the place of God's dwelling. Have you ever begged God for vindication? Heidi had a personal experience with this that she shares in our reading. 

As we finish our reading in Leviticus 16-17, we learn that these chapters describe the Day of Atonement and the laws regarding the eating of blood. I will say that my heart broke a little for all of the people who liked a good rare steak every once in awhile. Looking at these laws and rules through the lens of God trying to set his people apart and keep them safe makes you understand how much He truly loves us. 

Join my wife and me as we read through the Bible in The Message version this year! Put a fresh set of eyes on the Bible with this beautiful translation and enjoy a little back and forth as we dig into God's Word. Grab a cup of coffee, put us in the background, and let's read this amazing book together. 

Today's Text if you are following along:

Matthew 19:16-30

Acts 26:19-32

Psalm 43

Leviticus 16-17

Continue the conversation on our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/5879162978841385 

Want to follow along with us? Get the Message Devotional Bible HERE! https://amzn.to/3IBtT6F 

Need a LARGE PRINT VERSION? -- https://amzn.to/3IO01nJ

Find Your Way in Scripture.

• Over 600 scriptural insights

Plus . . .

• More than 400 reflection questions

Every Monday night from 6:30-830pm my wife and I head into Grand Rapids for Central Bible Ministries and a gathering of people that we like to call The Fellowship. It's laid back and welcoming, full of people who have been there and done that, and ready to meet you wherever you are at on this journey called life. 

Today's recording was not planned so please forgive the audio! We look forward to bringing you more content from our meetings there and the invitation is always open for you to come and check us out! We meet at Buck Creek Community Church in Wyoming and you are always welcome to come as you are. We start out with a meal, share some personal testimonies amongst the group, and then enjoy a message and some praise and worship! 

We hope to see you there! 

We start out with Jesus playing a mental chess game with the Pharisees over the question of divorce. I wonder if Jesus was on his school debate club? Can you imagine that!

Paul gets a chance to state his case in front of King Agrippa and shares his conversion testimony - every detail! You may be able to argue doctrine and theology, but when you see a man's life radically changed in front of you - there is no arguing that!

In Psalms we see that it's ok to talk to God when we are feeling distant from him or depressed and that he is faithful to us through those times and is there to give us hope.

And we end in Leviticus, where they describe the laws of purification and cleansing for those who have been afflicted with skin diseases, bodily discharges, and other impurities. Good clean fun in today's Journey Through The Message! Join us as we read through the Message Version Bible and share stories of adversity and the journey to freedom in our lives! 

Join my wife and me as we read through the Bible in The Message version this year! Put a fresh set of eyes on the Bible with this beautiful translation and enjoy a little back and forth as we dig into God's Word. Grab a cup of coffee, put us in the background, and let's read this amazing book together. 

Today's Text if you are following along:

Matthew 19:1-15

Acts 26:1-18

Psalm 42

Leviticus 14-15

Continue the conversation on our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/5879162978841385 

Want to follow along with us? Get the Message Devotional Bible HERE! https://amzn.to/3IBtT6F 

Need a LARGE PRINT VERSION? -- https://amzn.to/3IO01nJ

Find Your Way in Scripture.

• Over 600 scriptural insights

Plus . . .

• More than 400 reflection questions

Matthew 19:1-15: This passage contains the story of Jesus interacting with some Pharisees who ask him about divorce. Jesus responds by emphasizing the importance of marriage and the permanence of the union between a man and a woman. He also blesses children who are brought to him, which highlights the value and importance of children in God's eyes.

Acts 26:1-18: This passage contains Paul's defense before King Agrippa, in which he recounts his conversion experience and how he was called to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. Paul shares his encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus and how it transformed his life and ministry.

Psalm 42: This psalm is a lament of a person who is feeling depressed and distant from God. The author longs to be in God's presence and asks God for help and deliverance from his troubles. The psalm ends with an expression of hope and trust in God's faithfulness.

Leviticus 14-15: These chapters describe the laws of purification and cleansing for those who have been afflicted with skin diseases, bodily discharges, and other impurities. The rituals and sacrifices outlined in these chapters were meant to restore people to a state of purity and allow them to re-enter the community.

"Explore The Depths Of The Message With Robert And Heidi"

Summary/Abstract

Robert and Heidi invite the listener to join in their journey through the Message Bible, a paraphrase of the Bible. They believe that even for people who are well-versed in the Bible, the Message translation can open up new perspectives. They share their own experience with the translation and offer a prayer before beginning to read from Matthew. They hope that the listener can gain a new understanding of the Bible and a better understanding of themselves through this journey. The speaker is discussing the challenge of prayer, and his difficulty in engaging in formal prayers due to prior experiences. He then brings up the story of Zoe Anne, a student of theirs who is currently incarcerated and separated from her four children. He prays for all mothers who have been incarcerated, that they are given peace and hope, and that those on the outside are willing to receive them and show them they are welcome. He also prays that God will be able to show these women his word and lead them to a place of peace and hope. The discussion focuses on Jesus' teachings on divorce in Matthew 19:1-15. In response to the Pharisees' question about whether it was legal for a man to divorce his wife for any reason, Jesus explains that this was not part of God's original plan. He then discusses the importance of marriage, noting that it requires a certain aptitude and grace and is not for everyone. Jesus also emphasizes the importance of showing love to children and not putting young people in situations they are not prepared for. In conclusion, the discussion emphasizes the need for good Christians to look at the situation of divorce in a good light. The conversation is about the consequences of premarital sex in young couples who haven't asked any questions or planned for the future. The speaker admits that it is problematic to quickly put a bandaid on the situation and encourages people to consider the underlying infection that is growing. The speaker shares their own experience of having a relationship that was not put together by God, and contrasts it with the profound difference they have experienced with their current partner who was put together by God. The speaker then reads from Acts chapter 26, verses 1-18, where Paul is telling his story to King Agrippa. Paul shares how he was a strict Pharisee, who at first opposed Jesus of Nazareth, and threw believers into the Jerusalem jail and voted for their execution. He ultimately had a blinding light experience on his way to Damascus and decided to follow Jesus.

Timestamps

Highlights

A Proverb a Day Keeps the Police Away! Join me as we read through the book of Proverbs in the Message Version this month!  In this video, we'll be diving into one of the most inspiring passages in the Bible that celebrate the virtues of a godly woman. Proverbs 31 is a beautiful and powerful description of a woman who is confident, strong, and virtuous.

Throughout the passage, we'll see how this woman is praised for her hard work, wisdom, and kindness toward others. We'll explore how her example can inspire us to live our lives with purpose and meaning.

 Finally, we'll conclude by reflecting on the timeless wisdom of this passage and how it can shape our attitudes and actions toward ourselves and others. So, if you're looking for inspiration and encouragement to live a godly and purposeful life, join me as we explore Proverbs 31. Today's reading is packed full of wisdom, insight, and good instruction for living to keep you on the right path! I'm not pushy or preachy, I'm just glad that you are here!

Watch the video for this episode here! https://youtu.be/PTio7Wg0xNU

CONNECT WITH ROBERT! EMAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: setfree247.com FACEBOOK: facebook.com/rjwoldhuis TWITTER: @setfree247 YOUTUBE: @setfree247

"Couples' Bible Reading Uncovers Inspiration On Speaking Kindly"

Summary/Abstract Show Notes

Robert and Heidi are introducing their Proverbs 31 edition. They are using the Message Version of the Bible and having some fun while they read. Robert mentions Heidi's tie-dye romper and they both agree that it is important to have some fun while reading the Bible.

They discuss the section titled “Speak out for Justice” and how it is important to use the Bible to understand how to treat people with justice. Robert and Heidi then go on to read Proverbs 31 and discuss its meaning. They emphasize the importance of being a wise and strong woman, and how even though it can be difficult, it is worth it in the end.

They also discuss the importance of being generous and having a good work ethic. Finally, they explain how the Bible is a great source of wisdom and can help us understand how to be better people. The conversation between the speaker and their partner is a discussion of King Lemuel's words, particularly the advice his mother gave him. The speaker encourages their partner to be cautious when it comes to women and to not let their drinking lead them to make decisions that would affect those who depend on them.

They then transition to a hymn about a good wife, and discuss how she is hard to find, but worth more than diamonds. The good wife is generous and trusts her husband unreservedly. She shops for the best yarn and cotton, and is up before dawn to make breakfast for her family. She is diligent in her homemaking, quick to assist those in need, and takes the time to mend her family's clothing.

Her husband is respected when he deliberates with the city fathers. The speaker talks about his wife who is a great example of a woman who lives in the fear of God. She designs gowns and knits sweaters and always faces tomorrow with a smile. When she speaks, she always has something worthwhile to say and says it in a kind way.

She takes care of everyone in her family and they respect and bless her. The speaker is still learning to be gentle with people and is inspired by his wife's gentleness and kind words. He encourages everyone to give her all the praise she deserves. The couple discussed the importance of self-control, particularly in times when the husband has a strong personality. The wife reminded him that he will garner more respect if he keeps his voice lowered and steady, and maintains a grip on his emotions.

She also expressed her love for him and the fact that she married him because of his powerful personality. To share the Bible with others, the couple also has a podcast where they are recording and run through the entire Message Version Bible. They invited listeners to join them on their journey and encouraged public displays of affection.

Timestamps 00:00:00 Proverbs 31: Speak Out for Justice with Robert and Heidi

00:01:03 Conversation Summary: King Lemuel's Advice and A Hymn to a Good Wife

00:04:17 Reflection on Proverbs 31: The Woman to Be Admired

00:06:17 Conversation on the Power of Emotional Control

A Proverb a Day Keeps the Police Away! Join me as we read through the book of Proverbs in the Message Version this month! Proverbs 30 is a chapter in the book of Proverbs, which is a collection of wise sayings and teachings attributed to King Solomon. This chapter contains the words of Agur son of Jakeh, who is believed to have been a wise man and teacher from the ancient land of Massa. The chapter begins with Agur acknowledging his own ignorance and humbly seeking wisdom from God.

He then goes on to share a series of profound and thought-provoking proverbs that touch on various topics, including the nature of God, the dangers of greed and pride, the importance of contentment and humility, and the beauty of creation. One of the most famous proverbs in this chapter is found in verse 5, where Agur says, "Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him." This verse emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's wisdom and guidance, and suggests that those who do so will be protected and kept safe.

Other notable proverbs in this chapter include verses 7-9, where Agur prays for God to give him just enough to meet his needs, but not so much that he becomes proud or forgets God. He also warns against speaking falsely or using deceitful language in verse 10, and speaks about the mysterious ways of nature in verses 18-19.

Overall, Proverbs 30 offers a wealth of timeless wisdom and guidance for those seeking to live a life of faith, humility, and wisdom. Today's reading is packed full of wisdom, insight, and good instruction for living to keep you on the right path! I'm not pushy or preachy, I'm just glad that you are here!

CONNECT WITH ROBERT! EMAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: setfree247.com FACEBOOK: facebook.com/rjwoldhuis TWITTER: @setfree247 YOUTUBE: @setfree247

Proverbs 30: Finding Faith, Humility And Dependence Through God.

Summary/Abstract Show Notes

The conversation in Proverbs 30 begins with a skeptic declaring that there is no God and that they can do whatever they want. This leads to presumption and arrogance. In verse two, the believer then responds by challenging the skeptic’s statement and asking them who has created the world and all its wonders.

The believer then goes on to list some of these wonders, such as the strength of the leviathan and the swiftness of the eagle. In verses four and five, the believer expresses the futility of human knowledge, stating that no one can understand the mystery of God nor can they fathom the depths of the seas.

The believer then continues to describe how the Lord is in control of all things, from the heavens to the highest mountains. Verses seven and eight also describe how the Lord is the one who gives both poverty and wealth, and how he humbles and exalts people. Finally, the believer ends the conversation in verse nine by expressing faith, humility, and dependence on the Lord. The conversation is between a skeptic, who believes there is no God, and a believer. The skeptic claims that arrogance closes our minds to anything outside of our own self-interest and the fulfillment of our most selfish instincts, while the believer argues that an awareness of God leads to faith, humility, and dependence on Him.

The believer then prays to God, asking for two things before he dies: to speak truthfully and to live independently. The believer also asks God not to refuse him, to banish lies from his lips, and to give him enough food to live on. The believer then warns the skeptic to not blow the whistle on his fellow workers behind their backs, or they will accuse him of being underhanded. In conclusion, the believer argues that humility leads to prayer, and an absence of God leads to skepticism, arrogance, and presumption.

The conversation is about how to not fall into bad habits and how to lead a good life. It starts by cautioning against cursing one's father or not blessing one's mother, and not thinking one is presentable without taking a bath. It goes on to warn against being stuck up and greedy, and tearing into the poor and needy.

It then mentions four Insatiables, three of which are never satisfied, and four mysteries which the speaker is unable to understand. It also lists four intolerables, four small wonders, and four dignitaries which have impressive bearing. The conversation ends with a reminder to not be stuck up and to always show respect. In summary, the conversation is a warning to lead a good life and to show respect.

Timestamps 00:00:00 Proverbs 30: Faith, Humility, and Dependence

00:00:59 Heading: The Contrast Between Arrogance and Humility in Believers and Skeptics

00:03:13 Conversation on the Dangers of Disrespecting Parents and Greed

00:06:14 Proverbs 30: Reflection and Discussion

A Proverb a Day Keeps the Police Away! Join me as we read through the book of Proverbs in the Message Version this month! Proverbs 29 is a chapter from the Book of Proverbs in the Bible, which contains a collection of wise sayings and advice on various topics, such as morality, ethics, and relationships. Proverbs 29 contains many valuable insights into human behavior and offers guidance on how to live a fulfilling and righteous life.

Some of the key themes in this chapter include the importance of justice, humility, discipline, and wisdom. Another notable proverb from this chapter is Proverbs 29:23, which states, "Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor." This proverb highlights the value of humility and warns against the dangers of arrogance and pride. Today's reading is packed full of wisdom, insight, and good instruction for living to keep you on the right path! I'm not pushy or preachy, I'm just glad that you are here!

Watch the video for this episode here! https://youtu.be/7ZzpPr4v0Eg

CONNECT WITH ROBERT! EMAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: setfree247.com FACEBOOK: facebook.com/rjwoldhuis TWITTER: @setfree247 YOUTUBE: @setfree247

"Proverbs 29: Wisdom On Leadership, Poverty And More" Summary/Abstract Show Notes This conversation discusses the importance of discipline and treating the poor fairly. It explains that when a leader listens to malicious gossip, everyone is infected with evil. The section emphasizes the importance of disciplining children, as it will make them more delightful to live with.

It also explains that good people will be glad when evil people stumble, and that people will be blessed when they attend to what God reveals. The conversation concludes by emphasizing that it takes more than talk to keep workers in line. In this conversation, the speaker talks about Proverbs 29, discussing how simple words can easily go in one ear and out the other. They caution against letting people treat you like a doormat and remind us that an angry person stirs up a lot of discord.

They focus on verses 14 and 25, which state that leadership gains authority and respect when the voiceless poor are treated fairly, and the fear of human opinion can disable us, but trusting in God can protect us from that. Finally, they encourage us to look at the poor with kindness and not condescension, as God focuses special love on them.

The speaker recounts two instances where God had placed something on his heart. In the first instance, he was at church and felt compelled to go up and put his hands on a family and pray for them despite his initial apprehensions. In the second instance, he was at the VFW and noticed a man wearing a shirt that said In Memory of with the date March 6, 2023. Despite his initial reluctance, he felt compelled to talk to the man, and sure enough, the man walked right up to him. The speaker's takeaway is that when God puts something on your heart, you should trust Him and just move forward with it.

Timestamps

0:00:00 Heading: Proverbs 29: A Day to Keep the Police Away - Exploring the Message Version

0:00:56 Topic: The Benefits of Discipline and Wisdom in Leadership

0:03:24 Summary of Proverbs 29: Discussion

0:05:55 Heading: Trusting God and Moving Forward with His Guidance 0:08:27 Reflection on Conversation with Father Who Lost Daughter to Heroin Overdose

Highlights The Bible always looks at the poor with kindness, not condescension. The poor are always the focus of God's special love and always an opportunity for us to manifest his love. And so just to reiterate there, verse number 14 was leadership gains authority and respect when the voiceless poor are treated fairly.

The other one that stood out to me was verse number 25. The fear of human opinion disables, and trusting in God protects you from that. How many times do we allow things when we think somebody's thinking something of us, right? Or how many times do we think something in our head like, man, I can't do that because somebody's going to think something of me or I don't know what they'll say, or they're going to laugh at me, or they're going to think I'm stupid. But if God is placing something on your heart, I'm going to say trust Him and just move forward with that.

When good people run things, everyone is glad. But when the ruler is bad, everyone groans. If you love wisdom, you'll delight your parents, but you'll destroy their trust if you run with prostitutes. A leader of good judgment gives stability. An exploiting leader leaves a trail of waste. A flattering neighbor is up to no good. He's probably planning to take advantage of you.

A Proverb a Day Keeps the Police Away! Join me as we read through the book of Proverbs in the Message Version this month! I love verse 18: "Walk Straight, Live well, and be saved! A Devious life is a doomed life." Where in your life are you holding onto some devious ways? Is it devious to not be honest with someone about how you are doing or something that you are going through?

The consequences of sin: Proverbs 28:13 states, "Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy." This verse highlights the importance of admitting our sins and seeking forgiveness, as concealing them will lead to negative consequences and hinder our prosperity.

The value of hard work: Proverbs 28:19 says, "Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty." This verse emphasizes the importance of diligence and hard work, which lead to prosperity and abundanceToday's reading is packed full of wisdom, insight, and good instruction for living to keep you on the right path! I'm not pushy or preachy, I'm just glad that you are here!

CONNECT WITH ROBERT! EMAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: setfree247.com FACEBOOK: facebook.com/rjwoldhuis TWITTER: @setfree247 YOUTUBE: @setfree247

"Good Instruction For Living: Proverbs 28 - A Light, Fun Reading"

Summary/Abstract Show Notes

Robert welcomed the viewer to Set Free 24/7 and introduced the Proverb a day to keep the police away. He said that Proverbs are full of wisdom and good instruction, even for those who don't follow a faith. Robert then joked about his jacket and said that God's Word can be fun. The Proverb of the day was from Proverbs 28 and was titled If You Desert God's Law. This Proverb talks about how the wicked are edgy with guilt, always ready to run away, while the honest people are relaxed and confident.

Robert then encouraged the viewer to explore more of God's Word. The conversation discussed the impact of wickedness and how it affects the poor. It is better to be poor and direct than rich and crooked. It is important to practice God's law, which will bring wisdom and a good reputation. It is better to be generous to the poor, rather than ignoring them and risking their curses.

The conversation concluded with the idea that having a tender heart leads to a blessed life, whereas having a hard heart leads to a hard life, and that it is important to give anger and grudges to God. In this episode, the speaker talks about the importance of surrounding yourself with people who are wiser than you and have more experience in life. He encourages listeners to find people who can pray for them, be transparent with them, and help sharpen their iron.

He emphasizes that real survivors learn wisdom from others and that by allowing them into your life, it can end up for the best. He finishes by reminding the audience to like and share the episode and to leave prayer requests in the comments if they need it.

Timestamps 0:00:00 Script for Proverbs Chapter 28 Reading: "If You Desert God's Law"

0:01:09 Summary of Proverbs 28: Reflection on Doing Great Harm in Seemingly Harmless Ways 0:05:41 Episode 28: Real Survivors Learn Wisdom from Others Highlights 

The other one that I put down was if you think you know it all, you're a fool for sure. Real survivors learn wisdom from others. One of the things that I did a little differently this time around when I got out of prison was started to surround myself with people that knew more than me, that were in recovery longer than me and had been part of a faith community longer than me. Shut your eyes to their needs and run a gauntlet of curses. And when corruption takes over, good people go underground. But when the crooks are thrown out, it's safe to come out. And friends, just like that, we are done with Chapter 28. Was there a verse in there that stood out to you? Or maybe something that you took from the whole theme of today?

For Chapter 28, I had written down a tender-hearted person lives a blessed life, and a hard-hearted person lives a hard life. A devious life is a doomed life. And the next section is titled doing Great Harm in Seemingly Harmless Ways. So work your garden. You'll end up with plenty of food, play and party, and you'll end up with an empty plate. Committed and persistent work pays off. Get-rich-quick schemes are ripoffs playing favorites is always a bad thing. You can do great harm in seemingly harmless ways. A miser in a hurry to get rich doesn't know that he'll end up broke in the end.