The Weight of Ingratitude: A Call to Reflect on Proverbs 17:13
Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, a Ghanaian politics, has been a pillar of support for many aspiring NPP MPs, using his influence and resources to help them secure their parliamentary seats. Yet, in a disheartening twist, some of those MPs he has selflessly assisted have turned against him, driven by greed and a thirst for power. This betrayal echoes the wisdom of Proverbs 17:13 “If you repay good with evil, evil will not leave your house.” Their ingratitude serves as a sobering reminder that unfaithfulness to a benefactor brings consequences—not just to the one betrayed, but to the betrayer themselves.
The Bible is clear about the gravity of such actions. Matthew 18:6 warns, “If anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.”_ While this verse speaks broadly about leading others astray, it underscores the seriousness of betraying trust, especially from someone who has given so much.
Similarly, Proverbs 3:27-28 urges, “Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you’—when you already have it with you.”_ Kennedy Ohene Agyapong acted with generosity, expecting nothing in return. The true test of character lies not in how we treat our enemies, but in how we respond to those we have helped.
Galatians 6:7-8 also reminds us, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” The cycle of ingratitude and betrayal may seem rewarding in the moment, but it plants seeds of chaos and isolation.
To those who have turned against him, the words of Micah 6:8 challenge: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” True strength lies in humility, not exploitation.
Kennedy Ohene Agyapong’s legacy of kindness stands as a testament to his character. Let this be a moment for reflection: “Do not repay evil with evil, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing” (1 Peter 3:9).
May those who have forgotten their debt of gratitude turn back to righteousness, and may justice prevail.
By: Alexander Afriyie