The Winners and The Losers

“Such wicked people are detestable to the Lord, but he offers his friendship to the godly.” (Pr 3:32, NLT)

As a business person, have you ever considered that honesty produces a substantial financial gain? Or, that dishonesty inherently produces huge monetary losses? I realize that everyone might not agree with this conclusion.

However, the biblical evidence suggests there are many advantages to being honest and there are dire consequences to dishonest practices in business and in life. It is clear that ethics do have a profound impact on the bottom line. An even more basic thought, indicates that our business practices dictate our relationship with God! The Book of Proverbs contrasts the financial outcome of the honest versus the economic decay of the dishonest. Let’s examine some of these profound truths.

Wealth Accumulation vs. Inevitable Losses

“There is treasure in the house of the godly, but the earnings of the wicked bring trouble.” (Pr 15:6, NLT)

To be sure, personal integrity, honest practices and high moral standards are associated with financial wellbeing. The household of the honorable person contains great treasure because it is established on wisdom and a proper response to God. Even though a parent may not be affluent or financially wealthy, they can leave their children a spiritual heritage of great value.

The treasures that exist in the house of the virtuous individual consists of things like happiness, harmony, friendship, kindness, and financial security. In contrast, the unscrupulous man or woman that acquired assets dishonestly or illegally brings trouble and financial ruin upon himself and his family suffers as well. The wicked never gain enough to be satisfied, and eventually lose what they have because of their dishonest ways.

 “Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, But he who gathers by labor will increase.” (Pr 13:11, NKJV)

The simple truth is wealth gained by dishonest means is not sustainable. Acquisitions using such means will eventually produce long-term consequences of cheating and illegal activities. People who lack integrity may gain short term financial gain merely to postpone their inevitable ruin.  

The day will come when their cheating catches up with them. Cheating doesn’t work! The wealth of the dishonest is reduced. Conversely, diligence and hard work produces lasting fiscal return.

 “Wealth that comes from telling lies vanishes like a mist and leads to death.” (Pr 21:6, NCV)

The financial gain that is the result of deception is short lived and ultimately destructive. Some prosperity is good and some is bad, but the important thing is how the assets are obtained. Deceitful speech produces a negative return. God desires that riches be accumulated in an honest way.  

If the getting of riches is by lying, deception and robbery, God will see to it that those riches will not be enjoyed. Do you get the impression that there are some rich men and women today who are not really enjoying life to its fullest? So you see, how you get there… determines the winners and the losers!

 Thoughts to Ponder

1. Honesty has a definite monetary value.
2. What are your core principles by which you operate your business?
3. Do these core values embrace honesty and integrity?