Piety as the Foundation of Durable Riches and Righteousness

Proverbs 8:18 declares that with Wisdom dwell "durable riches and righteousness"—a paradox to worldly thinking. William Hayley, M.A., observed that true and substantial happiness depends necessarily upon morality and religion. Wealth without virtue becomes mere "heavy encumbrance and unprofitable lumber."

Hayley identifies piety as the effectual means to obtain riches. First, riches are the gift of Elohim, not fortune's goods. A wise Governor of the world disposes all human enterprises; the virtuous and pious are His favorites, receiving bounties as signs of His love and rewards for fidelity. Second, piety itself—the habitual practice of moral and Divine virtues—naturally produces riches and plenty. Industry, temperance, humility, brotherly love, liberality, and charity each tend to enrich their followers. Third, credit and reputation depend absolutely upon honesty and upright life, which are necessary for health and worldly interest. The only solid foundation of a good name is piety and virtue.

Securing durable riches requires two considerations: relation to ourselves and posterity. Whatever is obtained through means repugnant to piety cannot endure—all vices naturally impoverish mankind. Piety's efficacy transcends the grave, entailing blessings upon future generations. "The generation of the faithful shall be blessed." Thus righteousness and riches, though appearing contradictory to human persuasion, are inseparably joined in Adonai's economy.