A Seed Sown In Integrity
Proverbs 20
KJV
7+ The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.
That we may not receive or enjoy the rewards of the good we did while alive is an undeniable fact. The Hebrew writer gives us an insight when he wrote ;
Hebrews 11
KJV
13+ These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
Many of us shall die in faith “ not receiving the rewards “ of our toils like the patriarchs. We shall see them on the horizon and wave them as we pass by them!
It’s the generation after us who will benefit , this we call “ social wealth”. I was compelled to write this article when I met a young lady who walked up to me at a parking lot of a bank this afternoon to thank me!
On inquiry, she recalled the good I did for her and her siblings many decades ago. They are often left behind after school so I do drive them either home or to their father’s workshop!
Yes, this is an example of social wealth! Social wealth is the good we did to others for which we never received any payment! A deposit.
Many a parent died without leaving behind any material wealth for their children but rather a “ social wealth”Read how the wise man describes this social wealth ;
Proverbs 22
KJV
1+ A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.
A good name is captured in one word “ integrity “.
If presented with and asked to choose between a “ good name “ and “ wealth “ it would be better to choose a “ good name “.
It’s like being asked to choose between wisdom and money! I remember raising this question at a midweek bible class I was teaching, and the response was funny and interesting! Yes!
One would have thought that all would choose wisdom , interestingly that was not the case.
The fact is money ( riches) without wisdom is like vapour it will vanish quickly just as it came.
On the other hand, wisdom will help create wealth and guide you through how to protect and multiply it.
Many today are recipients of social wealth, capital etc which their parents invested on their behalf. You may be one.
If you take a hard look at yourself and ask, “How did I get here?” that's when you'll know and realise the social wealth you've inherited.
Beloved, material wealth may elude us we don’t have any to leave behind but social wealth we can acquire. So let us endeavour to create and leave behind this most important and valuable asset.
An instant thought to share, my observations and experience from the parking lot of a bank.
Yes, silver and gold we may not have to leave behind; but social wealth we can create.
A word to the wise.