Kamál, 11 ‘Alá’ (Loftiness), 180 B.E
Arising to Serve
Quotes for Reflection:
O CHILDREN OF DUST!
Tell the rich of the midnight sighing of the poor, lest heedlessness lead them into the path of destruction, and deprive them of the Tree of Wealth. To give and to be generous are attributes of Mine; well is it with him that adorneth himself with My virtues. — Bahá’u’lláh 1It should not be imagined that the writer’s earlier remarks constitute a denunciation of wealth or a commendation of poverty. Wealth is praiseworthy in the highest degree, if it is acquired by an individual’s own efforts and the grace of God, in commerce, agriculture, art and industry, and if it be expended for philanthropic purposes. Above all, if a judicious and resourceful individual should initiate measures which would universally enrich the masses of the people, there could be no undertaking greater than this, and it would rank in the sight of God as the supreme achievement, for such a benefactor would supply the needs and insure the comfort and well-being of a great multitude. Wealth is most commendable, provided the entire population is wealthy. If, however, a few have inordinate riches while the rest are impoverished, and no fruit or benefit accrues from that wealth, then it is only a liability to its possessor. If, on the other hand, it is expended for the promotion of knowledge, the founding of elementary and other schools, the encouragement of art and industry, the training of orphans and the poor—in brief, if it is dedicated to the welfare of society—its possessor will stand out before God and man as the most excellent of all who live on earth and will be accounted as one of the people of paradise. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 2
Question for Consideration:
What are the praiseworthy characteristics of wealth? 3
Google Gemini Response:
The passages from Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá offer several key characteristics of wealth that are considered praiseworthy:
Source of Wealth
- Effort and Grace: Wealth earned through honest work and effort, combined with faith in God’s grace, is seen as the most honorable source of wealth.
Use of Wealth
- Generosity: Sharing wealth and being generous towards those in need is an essential characteristic. Bahá’u’lláh emphasizes that “to give and to be generous are attributes of Mine.”
- Philanthropy: Using wealth for charitable purposes and the betterment of society is highly commended. This includes supporting education, art, industry, and initiatives that benefit the masses.
- Social Responsibility: Wealthy individuals are responsible for using their resources for the upliftment of society as a whole, not just personal gain.
Impact of Wealth
- Universal Benefit: The ideal state is shared prosperity, where wealth benefits everyone, not just a select few. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá states, “Wealth is most commendable, provided the entire population is wealthy.”
- Progress and Well-being: Using wealth to promote knowledge, education, art, and industry contributes to social progress and the well-being of all society members.
Overall, the true value of wealth in the Bahá’í faith is measured not by quantity but by its source and impact. Wealth that is earned honestly, used generously to help others, and contributes to the betterment of society is considered the most praiseworthy kind of wealth.
Microsoft Copilot Response:
The praiseworthy characteristics of wealth are multifaceted and encompass material and spiritual dimensions. Let us explore these attributes:
- Generosity and Benevolence: Wealth becomes praiseworthy when used generously and selflessly. To give and share with others is an attribute highly regarded by God. When wealth is employed to alleviate suffering, support noble causes, and uplift humanity, it reflects the divine virtue of generosity.
- Acquired through Effort and Grace: Wealth earned through one’s endeavors, hard work, and the grace of God is commendable. Pursuing wealth through honest labor is praiseworthy, whether in commerce, agriculture, art, or industry.
- Universal Enrichment: The highest achievement lies in initiatives that enrich the masses universally. A judicious and resourceful individual who uplifts society through wealth creation contributes significantly to the well-being of countless people. Such efforts are esteemed in the sight of God.
- Benefit to All: Wealth is commendable when it benefits the entire population. If prosperity is widespread, it enhances the collective welfare. However, if only a few possess excessive riches while others suffer poverty, wealth becomes a liability rather than a virtue.
- Philanthropic Use: When wealth is dedicated to philanthropic purposes, it shines as a beacon of virtue. Founding schools, promoting knowledge, supporting art and industry, and caring for orphans and the poor all contribute to society’s welfare.
- Balancing Material and Spiritual: Wealth is praiseworthy when it harmonizes material prosperity with spiritual values. A wealthy individual who exemplifies virtue, compassion, and service stands out before God and humanity. Such a person is considered among the people of paradise.
In summary, wealth’s praiseworthiness lies not merely in its accumulation but in its purposeful and compassionate utilization for the betterment of all. 🌟🌿🌏.
Source: Conversation with Bing, 3/10/2024
- The Meaning of Wealth: A Personal Reflection | Baha’i Blog
- Meditate on These Things: “If There Is Anything Praiseworthy” | Life Hope & Truth
- Definition “praiseworthy” | Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries
- Philippians 4:8 – Thinking That Is Praiseworthy | Faith Resources
- Bahá’u’lláh. The Hidden Words. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed March 10, 2024. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/hidden-words/3#886046055. ↩
- ’Abdu’l-Bahá. The Secret of Divine Civilization. Translated by Marzieh Gail. 2nd Edition. Wilmette, Ill: Baháʾí Publishing Trust, 1970, 24-25. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/secret-divine-civilization/2#753844522. ↩
- Ruhi Institute. Arising to Serve. 2.1.1.PE September 2020. Vol. Book 2. 6 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Foundation, 2020, 65. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#AS. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 