The Buyer's Boast: Fraud Exposed in Commerce

"It is naught, it is naught," saith the buyer; but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth. This proverb exposes the merchant who deprecates goods to negotiate a lower price, then brags of his shrewd bargain once the transaction concludes.

True religion penetrates every transaction of daily life, not merely Sunday devotion. The man or woman genuinely influenced by faith must conduct worldly business with perfect fairness, as Elohim prescribes. This demands four governing principles: First, love your neighbour as yourself—an active restraint against self-interest. Second, forbid every desire to increase your property at another's expense; the commandment forbids coveting what is not rightfully yours through just exchange. Third, observe justice, truth, and sincerity in all dealings. Fourth, remember that the eye of God rests perpetually upon you.

These rules apply equally to buyer and seller. One must place oneself in the neighbour's position and act as if your fellow-creatures could see your heart. Elohim takes special cognisance of wrongs committed through artifice, fraud, and deceit—offences human law cannot discover or prevent.

Repentance from commercial dishonesty demands restitution. No forgiveness exists without restoration of what was wrongfully withheld. The wages of iniquity must be returned. Until restitution is made, repentance remains hollow and forgiveness impossible.