Day 19: The Poverty-Paradox: How Integrity Makes the Poor Wealthier than the "Fool-Rich"
DrAzu's Proverbs31 Challenge
Proverbs 19:1 made me realise that It doesn't matter how rich one is — if one lacks integrity, he is a fool, plain and simple.
Poverty is an awful situation, no question.
The poor have nothing; they're completely destitute.
We all know this.
But get this - if you compare someone poor with integrity to someone wealthy without integrity, the poor always come out on top!
Having riches without integrity is the height of foolishness, not intelligence.
Possessing all the resources in the world means nothing if you have no integrity.
It cancels everything out — let me say it again: no integrity equals foolishness, period.
Lack of integrity degrades and devalues any success or wealth achieved.
I've seen people take shortcuts to get ahead, and they do get ahead for a while.
They may look successful on the outside, "fat and prosperous", but inwardly they are fools.
Here's the truth about poverty with integrity: Their situation is only temporary.
People may mock them, despise them, looked down on them for being poor.
But by clinging to their integrity, wealth will find them before long.
Just look at Job!
He's the prime example.
Job was the richest man in the East.
The East was the centre of civilization at the time
But then, in one day, wham! He lost everything — his children, his wealth, the respect.
Job was so poor he could barely afford to spell the word "poor" because an extra “o” would be a luxury (so he’ll spell it as “por”).
All Job had left was his Integrity.
His wife told him, “Why do you still hold on to your integrity? Just curse God and die.”
Ouch! that hurts.
But Job knew better than to listen to her foolishness.
He kept his integrity, and it wasn't long before he bounced back bigger than ever!
He regained his status and wealth, double what he had started with.
Maybe you feel like you're in a “Poverty” situation career-wise right now.
Your current situation may be poor compared to your aspirations and dreams.
You seem to be the lowest man on the totem pole.
They call you the least qualified or experienced.
You were denied promotions several times.
They skipped your name for those eligible for a pay raise.
Others seem to be zooming ahead fast.
Then You are suddenly tempted to cut corners, manipulate things, and abandon your values, aren't you?
Well, anyone who gives in has just signed up to be a member of the foolishness gang.
What’s the ultimate end for a person without integrity? Poverty, no question.
But a poor person with integrity? Their reward is wealth and abundance!
So ask yourself as you pursue your career goals —
Are you willing to sell your integrity for some quick temporary gains and wind up a fool?
Or can you tough it out through the lean times by holding fast to your integrity, knowing the payoff is coming?
If you're going through some “lack” right now, having integrity makes that struggle something to be proud of.
But anyone lacking integrity may as well start practising super-size shame because poverty is coming, and it’s coming big!
At the end of the day, whether rich or poor or in-between, Integrity should remain a priority.
Never compromise it!
Integrity is Capital.
Another meaning of integrity from studying the root Hebrew is prosperity — abundance.
No matter how destitute you appear, integrity makes you Complete.
When you are complete, you can favourably compete.
A poor person with integrity may lack results or resources, but they possess an asset more valuable than any amount of money.
So, a poor man with integrity is not actually poor.
He has an inestimable asset that will soon be converted to liquidity.
That man will soon be able to afford anything and everything.
With integrity, you are pre-qualified and approved for greatness!
If Poverty is Unavoidable, ensure you choose to have Integrity alongside it.
You have just booked your first-class ticket to a prosperous life with that choice.
Don't let the threat or weight of poverty tempt you to start slipping on your principles and cutting corners.
You should live in the perfection and beauty of God's original intent, not selling out!
This wisdom covers all forms of "poverty" too — lack of time, resources, you name it.
If you lack integrity on top of that? Double blow of foolishness!
Wealth without integrity is garbage.
But stick to integrity during poverty, then success and prosperity will come for you.
Integrity keeps you complete and qualifies you for the ultimate winning life.
Please choose Integrity every time!
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