Judges 14:15-20 Sin Is a Ponzi Scheme

Judges 14:15-20 Sin Is a Ponzi Scheme

Introduction:

Sin is a Ponzi scheme. Charles Ponzi lured people into investing money with the promise of guaranteed returns. But behind the scenes, there was no product generating value—just a cycle of taking from new investors to pay off earlier ones, all while skimming profit for himself. It was a scam built on illusion, hype, and fake assurances.

Sin operates the same way. It promises satisfaction, pleasure, and control—but always at a cost. The deeper we invest, the more we lose. In the end, there is no return—only judgment. You don’t gain life through sin; you quietly forfeit it.

In this passage, Samson's life reveals that same pattern. He invested in what was “right in his eyes,” and here the returns come due.

Outline:

1. Judges 14:15–16 – The Difficulty of Maintaining Sin
2. Judges 14:17–18 – Sin Wants to Be Seen
3. Judges 14:19–20 – The Tool of God’s Judgment

Narrative:

1. The Difficulty of Maintaining Sin (vv. 15–16)

Samson made an investment—not in righteousness, not in God’s Word, but in personal desire. He married a Philistine woman who did not know or fear the Lord. And now, the return begins.

“Entice your husband to tell us what the riddle is, lest we burn you and your father’s house with fire” (v. 15).

Her loyalty was tested, and she chose her people. She pressed Samson daily for the answer—not because of love or loyalty, but under threat. Sin never stays isolated—it multiplies pressure, fear, and compromise. Maintaining sin becomes exhausting.

Samson’s selfishness is exposed too:

“Behold, I have not told my father nor my mother, and shall I tell you?” (v. 16)

He wasn’t living with her as “one flesh” (Genesis 2:24), nor was he pursuing unity. He wasn’t protecting her or walking in holiness—he was reaping what he had sown.

“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” (Galatians 6:7–8)

2. Sin Wants to Be Seen (vv. 17–18)

She wore him down. He told her. She told the men. And they solved the riddle.

“What is sweeter than honey? What is stronger than a lion?”

What had been secret was now public. The hidden sin came out—and Samson’s anger exploded.

“If you had not plowed with my heifer, you would not have found out my riddle.”

His own words—his riddle, his deception, his pride—came back to haunt him. He thought he could control the narrative. But sin always aims to be seen. It wants attention, and eventually, it gets it.

• “Be sure your sin will find you out.” (Numbers 32:23)
• “The sins of some are obvious… others appear later.” (1 Timothy 5:24)
• “He who walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.” (Proverbs 10:9)

Even if hidden in this life, sin will be exposed before the Judge:

“It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.” (Hebrews 9:27)

3. The Tool of God’s Judgment (vv. 19–20)

“And the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon him…” (v. 19)

Despite Samson’s failures, God’s purpose would not fail. Empowered by the Spirit, Samson struck down 30 men, took their garments, and paid his debt. Then he returned to his father’s house in anger—and his wife was given to another man.

Samson lost everything: his pride, his bet, his wife, and his control. Sin promised a feast. All it delivered was fire.

But behind this collapse, God was beginning to execute judgment on the Philistines. The attack on Ashkelon was not just personal revenge—it was a spark. A provocation. God would use this to escalate the tension that would ultimately lead to the defeat of Israel’s enemies.

Samson wasn’t righteous in this moment—he was just useful. God used him, but that doesn’t mean Samson was holy. The Lord can use broken tools, but that doesn’t mean those tools are blessed.

Reflection:

Sin is a Ponzi scheme. It offers quick returns and long-term ruin. Samson wanted immediate satisfaction—now he’s paying off the debt with other men’s lives and his own dignity.

He didn’t plan this ending. But it’s exactly what sin returns.

Where are you investing? What fruit will your current actions produce?

The uncomfortable truth is this: sin does not pay. Even when God uses us in our weakness, it doesn’t mean we’re walking in holiness. Samson was the Lord’s instrument—but his life was marked by personal rebellion.

And yet, there is hope.

The story of Judges shows us not just the brokenness of men—but the faithfulness of God. His promises do not fail. His plans are not undone. And He has provided a greater Deliverer—one who doesn’t boast in sin, but who became sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Conclusion:

• What you invest in will return a harvest.
• Sin does not stay hidden—it demands to be seen.
• God’s sovereign plan cannot be stopped, but that doesn’t mean our sin is without consequence.
• Repent, believe in Christ, and sow to the Spirit.
• His return is the true reward.

Scripture References:

• Galatians 6:7–10 – We reap what we sow—either corruption or eternal life.
• Judges 14:2–3 – Samson chose what was right in his own eyes.
• Ruth 1:15–18 – A contrast of faithfulness and loyalty.
• 1 Timothy 5:24–25 – Sin will eventually be exposed.
• Proverbs 10:9 – Integrity leads to security; crooked ways will be found out.
• Hebrews 9:27 – Judgment comes after death.
• Numbers 32:23 – Your sin will find you out.
• 1 Corinthians 3:10–15 – Every work will be tested by fire.
• Genesis 2:24 / Ephesians 5:28–33 – Marriage as a picture of Christ and the Church.
• Deuteronomy 7:6–11 / 9:4–12 – The Lord’s justice, faithfulness, and covenant mercy.
• 2 Corinthians 5:21 – Christ became sin so we might become the righteousness of God.