It is Better

but how?

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 16:8,19

Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice…It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud.

If you have to choose between riches and righteousness, choose righteousness. That is the simple point of this proverb. The point is not that being rich is always wrong or that there is inherent virtue in being poor. Poor people can be wicked and rich people can be righteous.

But if you can gain financially through proud, unjust means, choose to forfeit that prophet. It is better.

How is it better?

Personal integrity is something to value. A clear conscience is a precious commodity. Being able to look your wife and children in the eyes and know that they know you didn’t do wrong to get wealth is a blessing. Not having to hang your head, being able to look at yourself in the mirror without shame, and knowing you treated people fairly and with integrity is invaluable.

If you have to choose, choose righteousness over riches every time.