”He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, And he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.“
Proverbs 22:16
The person violating or defrauding resources from those without the means to stand up for themself (weak) to increase their own resources, as well as the person who bestows resources to the rich; both of those mindsets will lead to lack of resources.
In this passage we are presented with a perspective which overrules any economic or political theory known today. The ideas presented in this passage are truths, that when grasped properly, are the foundational decision making principles which lead to financial stability on an individual level and in society as a whole.
In short, this is the Anti-Fraud principle.
The foundational truths expressed are:
- Do not defraud the weak.
- Do not seek to gain access to those with riches by fraud or bribe.
Numerous reasonings are present when we walk around each truth circumspectly, but here are a few.
To begin, taking from the weak is often viewed as morally bad behavior; it makes you a bully.
Taking it to the next level, there is only so much to be gained before the pressure you apply breaks the weak and ruins their life. This is an offense other people and GOD Almighty tend to want to repay to the evil-doer.
As we look at it from a different perspective, in the course of time, a fair amount of the population will adapt decision making processes to your scheme effectively ending the profitability of the fraud or oppression. If the Fraudster is to continue they must modify the scheme. In time, these modifications become too much to bare and a revolt is born. The fraud engulfs those profiting from the scam and crushes them… although some will escape, most will lose in the debacle.
A similar pattern presents itself when attempting to bribe the Rich. Those who have gained prominence by merit know the earmarks and battle scars of a fellow soldier. When an imposter offers them bribes or offerings to be included they may accept you into the circle of influence but only far enough to profit from you until your downfall.
If you bring real value, you may one day be actually considered with respect. Attempting to take shortcuts removes any opportunity for respect to actually be built.
On another level, attempting to impress someone holding wealth by giving them resources is not going to be appreciated. For this reason, when you are doing business with someone with resources, failing to negotiate your value strongly signals to them how invaluable you are.
If you are cheap labor then you are a cheap person. If you have too high an estimation for your value, in a real world market, you will not sell. Striking the balance of knowing your real value is how you grow in value.
In the end, stealing from or oppressing the Poor and attempting to use money to impress the Rich are both tell tale signs of a deeply flawed understanding of how to build real value. Real value is what is really valuable. To gain in real value will advance your position. Please keep in mind, you certainly cannot please everyone, but growing in real value will at least improve you, your life and those around you… which is the end goal.