Ethical laws in the Bible: Do not plot to repeat a sin; even for one, you will not go unpunished. Ben Sira 7:8
The Bible, with its proverbial wisdom, in the Book of Ben Sira, teaches men the importance of the ethical laws that govern the universe. For this reason, the master of wisdom expressed in his sapiential book an interesting advice to always keep in mind: "Do not plot to repeat a sin; even for one, you will not go unpunished" Ben Sira 7:8.
There is a reality that should not be forgotten: sin is a form of error, and error is progressive by nature; that is, when one sin is followed by another, the destructive effects multiply and their long-term consequences are unpredictable and impossible to calculate, like a snowball that grows in winter as it rolls down a slope. This is why this teaching of wisdom about error is associated with another expression about the eternal law of sowing and reaping in the same book: "Do not sow in the furrows of injustice, lest you harvest it sevenfold" Ben Sira 7:3. The Bible gives an example related with this spiritual fact with the crime of Cain against his brother Abel. Cain began by sinning in his heart, and for his actions, he was severely punished by God, Cain was marked with a sign and forced to lead a wandering life. What man sends out into the universe, that same thing returns to him, and this is also a matter of common sense.
In other words, if men wish to be blessed and happy, they must always keep in mind the invisible laws of the universe, avoid their negative effects, and thus intelligently choose the spiritual path of righteousness: "Do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets" Matthew 7:12. Righteousness, the path opposite to sin, is unfailingly a pearl of great price that guides men along a path that at first seems difficult but in the end becomes beautiful and easy to follow.
There are two paths for man, and the ethical laws of the universe leave a clear message: rewards and blessings for those who are edifying, progressive, and benevolent, and punishments accompanied by curses for those who are chaotic, destructive, and unjust. And men, faced with this, have the freedom to choose between good and evil.
