What Does You Reap What You Sow Mean?
A common question we get asked is what exactly does it mean when the Bible says “you reap what you sow”? Here are two explanations for your review.
What does the Bible say about sowing and reaping? The concept of working hard, whether it be with our hands or minds, is common throughout the Bible. From Adam’s curse to Jesus’ parables, humanity has always understood what you put in comes back out tenfold; this same principle still holds true today through every struggle we face as humans.
The phrase, “you reap what you sow” is biblical because it is a direct quote from Galatians 6:7. Additionally, it references another verse in the New Testament. Firstly, 2 Corinthians 9:6 suggests that those who give sparingly will receive back little and people who are generous will be rewarded with generosity.
There is a biblical principle that we reap what we sow. King Solomon says, “Those who plant injustice will harvest disaster.” The prophet Hosea agrees as he states: “You have planted wickedness, you have reaped evil”. Wisdom in Proverbs sums it up by saying: “They will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes”. In each case, this law goes back to God’s justice. Of course, we need to be very careful how we weigh in old testament verses with new life in Christ. God has promised he remembers our sins no more. He is not going to punish us the way someone who did not have Christ may have been punished. Well, to be more direct he’s not going to punish us at all. But rather he will grow us, counsel us, and disciple us.
Of course, there is the real spiritual principle that if we sow bad things, God will show mercy on us and not always reap what we have sowed. A lot of this also refers to earthly consequences to our decisions. For example, if you go out drinking and driving you may end up in jail, or worse off harm someone very badly. That is something terrible to reap from what you showed. Although it’s not something God hurled at you. That’s an earthly consequence.
However, even in this world of sin and sorrows where people are separated from Him because they do not believe in His Son Jesus Christ; He reserves the right to show compassion as he showed it towards Pharaoh (Romans 9:15). It was his great love for humanity who were sinners through their own doing which made him send his only begotten son so that those who believe in Him may live with him forever after escaping hell due to our wrongdoings.
Sometimes, what looks like a harvest is not one. When Job was suffering, his friends considered the trouble as a just punishment from God for some secret sin but they were wrong. The principle of reaping and sowing is generally true in most cases still holds today (Job 42:10–17).
“You’ll reap what you sow” is a popular proverb that has been repeated for generations. This phrase summarizes the principle well, but it also holds true both in positive and negative ways. For instance, when we’re selfless instead of selfish with our time or possessions then good things will come to us; however, if we waste away all of our resources on ourselves then nothing else matters because those are gone too! When we are selfless, generous, kind, and depending on God’s provision and salvation, it is like giving to the Spirit. It will earn us eternal life in heaven that never ends.
Instead of placing our trust in ourselves, we should place it all on Jesus and his love. Sowing to the flesh will only give us a dead-end but sowing to God’s plan for your life (the spirit) produces eternal rewards that are fruitful.
ANOTHER VIEW FOR CONSIDERATION (NOT OURS)
Throughout the Bible, sowing refers to one’s actions and reaping is used as a metaphor for their consequences. In an effort to teach them about idolatry in Hosea 1:6 of the Hebrew Bible (King James Version), God says “They sow wind, they reap whirlwind”.
In his Christian New Testament Epistle to the Galatians, Paul the Apostle writes: “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” He goes on to instruct them to live spiritual lives rather than just focusing on worldly things. This idea will result in rewards as they follow their faith instead of earthly desires.
An English sermon collection from 1654, about forty years after the King James Bible was finished and frequently addressed the theme of metaphorical sowing and reaping. This proverb helped you reap what you sow and achieve proverbial status in religious contexts as well as other areas such as politics, business, or general wisdom. The 1820 book Maternal Solicitude for a Daughter’s Best Interest advises working with diligence because one cannot reap without first sowing effort.
In 1822, a British Parliament member said that policies enforced in the colonies may later be applied back at home. He warned others saying “As we sow, so shall we reap” during his speech to parliament members. In 1884 Benjamin Butler who is running for President of the United States also encouraged voters to vote the third party and use their votes wisely by encouraging them quoting: “He who expects to reap must sow.”
Profitable Advertising magazine encouraged readers to spend liberally on advertising in 1894, and invoked the “old story of sowing and reaping” that preachers tell when explaining ‘return on investment.’ In 1911 an ad made a similar comparison within Big Four Poultry Journal.
Business Philosopher magazine put the proverb to use in 1911, offering advice such as “sow a good action, reap a good habit,” and “sow a good habit, reap a good character.” These examples connect material success to its original cautions about moral character.
Despite its spread beyond the religious context, you reap what you sow is still popular use in that realm. The proverb’s biblical origins are evident throughout this continued widespread usage.
Either view, or another one, is fine. What we care about is you knowing Jesus. Calling on Him. This is honestly 3rd tier stuff to us. Hope you enjoyed it.
Author: Mike Cynar
Mike Cynar was raised in a church setting where he frequently noticed that many attendees would eventually drift away. The church labeled these individuals as ‘back sliders’ or ‘fake Christians’ just looking for ‘fire insurance’. However, Mike realized the issue was rarely with these individuals but instead with the church’s message itself. The teachings heavily emphasized behavior improvement and one’s flaws, with only a fleeting mention of one’s identity in Christ. It felt as though every sermon was tailored to the church of Corinth, who as we know or committing sins that even unbelievers don’t partake in. This trend was noticeable not just in one denomination, but across Baptist, Catholic, Pentecostal, and many other churches. Upon understanding the true essence of the gospel – that our righteousness comes from Jesus’ actions, not our own – Mike was inspired to liberate believers from lifeless sermons and reconnect them with the genuine teachings of Jesus. He believes that one can nurture a vibrant and growing bond with Jesus, unhindered by rigid religious practices. And thus, “Jesus Without Religion” was born.
It turns out that it is grace that leads to repentance. And if our heart is to get others to walk in the Spirit and live a godly life, then the best approach is not a beat down sermon, but rather to remind other that it is only when we understand our true identity in Christ that we will live it out. Yes, it’s true, if you’re convinced that God thinks you’re a dirty sinner, you will ultimately continue a lifestyle that mirrors that view, but if you truly believe that even on your worst day, you are called holy, sanctified, justified, and will be presented blameless in the end, well, it turns out this is the secret to living out on the outside what has been worked in to the inside.
