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132:5 Counseling the Rich Man (view source)
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132:5.1 A certain [[Wealth|rich man]], a Roman [[citizen]] and a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stoicism Stoic], became greatly interested in [[Jesus]]' teaching, having been introduced by Angamon. After many [[intimate]] [[conferences]] this wealthy citizen asked [[Jesus]] what he would do with [[wealth]] if he had it, and Jesus answered him: " I would [[bestow]] [[material]] [[wealth]] for the enhancement of material life, even as I would minister [[knowledge]], [[wisdom]], and [[spiritual]] [[service]] for the enrichment of the [[intellectual]] life, the ennoblement of the [[social]] life, and the advancement of the [[spiritual]] life. I would administer material [[wealth]] as a [[wise]] and effective trustee of the [[resources]] of one [[generation]] for the benefit and ennoblement of the next and succeeding generations. "
132:5.2 But the rich man was not fully [[satisfied]] with [[Jesus]]' answer. He made [[bold]] to ask again: " But what do you [[think]] a man in my position should do with his [[wealth]]? Should I keep it, or should I give it away? " And when [[Jesus]] [[perceived]] that he really [[desired]] to know more of the [[truth]] about his [[loyalty]] to [[God]] and his [[duty]] to men, he further answered: " My good [[friend]], I [[discern]] that you are a [[sincere]] [[seeker]] after [[wisdom]] and an [[honest]] lover of [[truth]]; therefore am I minded to lay before you my view of the solution of your [[problems]] having to do with the [[responsibilities]] of [[wealth]]. I do this because you have asked for my [[counsel]], and in giving you this advice, I am not concerned with the [[wealth]] of any other rich man; I am offering advice only to you and for your [[personal]] [[guidance]]. If you honestly [[desire]] to regard your [[wealth]] as a [[trust]], if you really wish to become a [[wise]] and [[efficient]] [[steward]] of your accumulated [[wealth]], then would I [[counsel]] you to make the following [[analysis]] of the sources of your riches: Ask yourself, and do your best to find the [[honest]] answer, whence came this [[wealth]]? And as a help in the [[study]] of the sources of your great fortune, I would suggest that you bear in [[mind]] the following ten different [[methods]] of amassing material [[wealth]]:
*1. ''Inherited wealth''—riches derived from [[parents]] and other [[ancestors]].
*2. ''Discovered wealth''—riches derived from the uncultivated [[resources]] of mother [[earth]].
*3. ''Trade wealth''—riches obtained as a [[fair]] [[profit]] in the exchange and barter of material goods.
*4. ''Unfair wealth''—riches derived from the unfair [[exploitation]] or the enslavement of one's fellows.
*5. ''Interest wealth''—income derived from the [[fair]] and just earning [[possibilities]] of invested capital.
*6. ''Genius wealth''—riches accruing from the rewards of the [[creative]] and inventive [[endowments]] of the human [[mind]].
*7. ''Accidental wealth''—riches derived from the [[generosity]] of one's fellows or taking [[origin]] in the circumstances of life.
*8. ''Stolen wealth''—riches secured by unfairness, dishonesty, theft, or [[fraud]].
*9. ''Trust funds''—[[wealth]] lodged in your hands by your fellows for some specific use, now or in the [[future]].
*10. ''Earned wealth''—riches derived directly from your own [[personal]] labor, the [[fair]] and just reward of your own daily [[efforts]] of [[mind]] and [[body]].
132:5.3 " And so, my [[friend]], if you would be a [[faithful]] and just [[steward]] of your large fortune, before [[God]] and in service to men, you must approximately divide your [[wealth]] into these [[ten]] grand divisions, and then proceed to [[administer]] each portion in [[accordance]] with the [[wise]] and [[honest]] [[interpretation]] of the [[laws]] of [[justice]], equity, [[fairness]], and true [[efficiency]]; albeit, the [[God]] of [[heaven]] would not condemn you if sometimes you erred, in doubtful situations, on the side of [[merciful]] and unselfish regard for the distress of the suffering [[victims]] of the unfortunate circumstances of [[mortal]] life. When in [[honest]] [[doubt]] about the [[equity]] and [[justice]] of material situations, let your [[decisions]] favor those who are in need, favor those who [[suffer]] the misfortune of undeserved hardships. "
132:5.4 After [[discussing]] these matters for several hours and in [[response]] to the rich man's request for further and more detailed instruction, [[Jesus]] went on to amplify his [[advice]], in substance saying: " While I offer further suggestions concerning your [[attitude]] toward [[wealth]], I would admonish you to receive my counsel as given only to you and for your [[personal]] [[guidance]]. I speak only for myself and to you as an [[inquiring]] friend. I adjure you not to become a [[dictator]] as to how other rich men shall regard their [[wealth]]. I would advise you:
132:5.5 " 1. As [[steward]] of inherited wealth you should consider its [[sources]]. You are under [[moral]] [[obligation]] to [[represent]] the [[past]] [[generation]] in the [[honest]] [[transmittal]] of legitimate [[wealth]] to succeeding [[generations]] after subtracting a fair toll for the benefit of the present generation. But you are not obligated to perpetuate any dishonesty or injustice involved in the unfair accumulation of [[wealth]] by your [[ancestors]]. Any portion of your inherited wealth which turns out to have been derived through [[fraud]] or unfairness, you may disburse in [[accordance]] with your [[convictions]] of [[justice]], [[generosity]], and restitution. The remainder of your legitimate inherited wealth you may use in equity and transmit in [[security]] as the trustee of one [[generation]] for another. Wise [[discrimination]] and sound [[judgment]] should dictate your [[decisions]] regarding the bequest of riches to your successors.
132:5.6 " 2. Everyone who enjoys [[wealth]] as a result of [[discovery]] should remember that one [[individual]] can live on [[earth]] but a short [[season]] and should, therefore, make adequate provision for the [[sharing]] of these discoveries in helpful ways by the largest possible number of his fellow men. While the discoverer should not be denied all reward for [[efforts]] of [[discovery]], neither should he [[selfish]]ly presume to lay claim to all of the [[advantages]] and [[blessings]] to be derived from the uncovering of [[nature]]'s hoarded [[resources]].
132:5.7 " 3. As long as men [[choose]] to conduct the world's [[business]] by [[trade]] and [[barter]], they are entitled to a fair and legitimate [[profit]]. Every tradesman deserves wages for his [[services]]; the merchant is entitled to his hire. The [[fairness]] of trade and the honest treatment accorded one's fellows in the [[organized]] [[business]] of the world create many different sorts of [[profit]] [[wealth]], and all these sources of wealth must be judged by the highest principles of [[justice]], [[honesty]], and [[fairness]]. The honest trader should not [[hesitate]] to take the same [[profit]] which he would gladly accord his fellow trader in a similar [[transaction]]. While this sort of [[wealth]] is not identical with [[individually]] earned income when business dealings are conducted on a large [[scale]], at the same time, such honestly accumulated [[wealth]] endows its possessor with a considerable equity as regards a [[voice]] in its subsequent [[distribution]].
132:5.8 " 4. No [[mortal]] who knows [[God]] and seeks to do the [[divine]] will can stoop to [[engage]] in the [[oppression]]s of [[wealth]]. No [[noble]] man will strive to accumulate riches and amass [[wealth]]-[[power]] by the enslavement or unfair [[exploitation]] of his brothers in the flesh. Riches are a [[moral]] [[curse]] and a [[spiritual]] [[stigma]] when they are derived from the sweat of [[oppressed]] [[mortal]] man. All such wealth should be restored to those who have thus been robbed or to their [[children]] and their children's children. An enduring [[civilization]] cannot be built upon the [[practice]] of defrauding the laborer of his hire.
132:5.9 " 5. [[Honest]] [[wealth]] is entitled to interest. As long as men borrow and lend, that which is fair interest may be collected provided the [[capital]] lent was legitimate [[wealth]]. First cleanse your capital before you lay claim to the interest. Do not become so small and grasping that you would stoop to the [[practice]] of [[usury]]. Never [[permit]] yourself to be so [[selfish]] as to employ [[money]]-[[power]] to gain unfair [[advantage]] over your struggling fellows. Yield not to the [[temptation]] to take usury from your brother in [[financial]] distress.
132:5.10 " 6. If you [[chance]] to secure [[wealth]] by flights of [[genius]], if your riches are derived from the rewards of [[inventive]] [[endowment]], do not lay claim to an unfair portion of such rewards. The [[genius]] owes something to both his [[ancestors]] and his [[progeny]]; likewise is he under [[obligation]] to the [[race]], [[nation]], and circumstances of his [[inventive]] [[discoveries]]; he should also remember that it was as man among men that he labored and wrought out his [[inventions]]. It would be equally unjust to deprive the [[genius]] of all his increment of [[wealth]]. And it will ever be impossible for men to establish rules and regulations applicable equally to all these [[problems]] of the equitable [[distribution]] of [[wealth]]. You must first [[recognize]] man as your brother, and if you [[honestly]] [[desire]] to do by him as you would have him do by you, the commonplace dictates of [[justice]], [[honesty]], and [[fairness]] will [[guide]] you in the just and impartial settlement of every recurring [[problem]] of [[economic]] rewards and [[social]] [[justice]].
132:5.11 " 7. Except for the [[just]] and legitimate fees earned in [[administration]], no man should lay [[personal]] claim to that [[wealth]] which time and [[chance]] may cause to fall into his hands. [[Accidental]] riches should be regarded somewhat in the light of a [[trust]] to be expended for the benefit of one's [[social]] or [[economic]] group. The possessors of such [[wealth]] should be accorded the major [[voice]] in the determination of the [[wise]] and [[effective]] [[distribution]] of such unearned [[resources]]. Civilized man will not always look upon all that he [[controls]] as his [[personal]] and [[private]] [[possession]].
132:5.12 " 8. If any portion of your fortune has been knowingly derived from [[fraud]]; if aught of your [[wealth]] has been accumulated by dishonest [[practices]] or unfair [[methods]]; if your riches are the product of unjust dealings with your fellows, make haste to restore all these ill-gotten gains to the rightful owners. Make full amends and thus cleanse your fortune of all dishonest riches.
132:5.13 " 9. The trusteeship of the [[wealth]] of one [[person]] for the benefit of others is a [[solemn]] and [[sacred]] [[responsibility]]. Do not hazard or jeopardize such a [[trust]]. Take for yourself of any trust only that which all [[honest]] men would allow.
132:5.14 " 10. That part of your fortune which [[represents]] the earnings of your own [[mental]] and [[physical]] [[efforts]]—if your [[work]] has been done in [[fairness]] and equity—is truly your own. No man can gainsay your right to hold and use such [[wealth]] as you may see fit provided your exercise of this right does not work harm upon your fellows. "
132:5.15 When [[Jesus]] had finished [[counsel]]ing him, this wealthy Roman arose from his couch and, in saying [[farewell]] for the night, delivered himself of this [[promise]]: " My good [[friend]], I [[perceive]] you are a man of great [[wisdom]] and [[goodness]], and tomorrow I will begin the [[administration]] of all my [[wealth]] in [[accordance]] with your [[counsel]]. "
<center>[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_132 Go to Paper 132]</center>
<center>[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_Urantia_Text_-_Contents Go to Table of Contents]</center>
[[Category:Paper 132 - The Sojourn at Rome]]
132:5.1 A certain [[Wealth|rich man]], a Roman [[citizen]] and a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stoicism Stoic], became greatly interested in [[Jesus]]' teaching, having been introduced by Angamon. After many [[intimate]] [[conferences]] this wealthy citizen asked [[Jesus]] what he would do with [[wealth]] if he had it, and Jesus answered him: " I would [[bestow]] [[material]] [[wealth]] for the enhancement of material life, even as I would minister [[knowledge]], [[wisdom]], and [[spiritual]] [[service]] for the enrichment of the [[intellectual]] life, the ennoblement of the [[social]] life, and the advancement of the [[spiritual]] life. I would administer material [[wealth]] as a [[wise]] and effective trustee of the [[resources]] of one [[generation]] for the benefit and ennoblement of the next and succeeding generations. "
132:5.2 But the rich man was not fully [[satisfied]] with [[Jesus]]' answer. He made [[bold]] to ask again: " But what do you [[think]] a man in my position should do with his [[wealth]]? Should I keep it, or should I give it away? " And when [[Jesus]] [[perceived]] that he really [[desired]] to know more of the [[truth]] about his [[loyalty]] to [[God]] and his [[duty]] to men, he further answered: " My good [[friend]], I [[discern]] that you are a [[sincere]] [[seeker]] after [[wisdom]] and an [[honest]] lover of [[truth]]; therefore am I minded to lay before you my view of the solution of your [[problems]] having to do with the [[responsibilities]] of [[wealth]]. I do this because you have asked for my [[counsel]], and in giving you this advice, I am not concerned with the [[wealth]] of any other rich man; I am offering advice only to you and for your [[personal]] [[guidance]]. If you honestly [[desire]] to regard your [[wealth]] as a [[trust]], if you really wish to become a [[wise]] and [[efficient]] [[steward]] of your accumulated [[wealth]], then would I [[counsel]] you to make the following [[analysis]] of the sources of your riches: Ask yourself, and do your best to find the [[honest]] answer, whence came this [[wealth]]? And as a help in the [[study]] of the sources of your great fortune, I would suggest that you bear in [[mind]] the following ten different [[methods]] of amassing material [[wealth]]:
*1. ''Inherited wealth''—riches derived from [[parents]] and other [[ancestors]].
*2. ''Discovered wealth''—riches derived from the uncultivated [[resources]] of mother [[earth]].
*3. ''Trade wealth''—riches obtained as a [[fair]] [[profit]] in the exchange and barter of material goods.
*4. ''Unfair wealth''—riches derived from the unfair [[exploitation]] or the enslavement of one's fellows.
*5. ''Interest wealth''—income derived from the [[fair]] and just earning [[possibilities]] of invested capital.
*6. ''Genius wealth''—riches accruing from the rewards of the [[creative]] and inventive [[endowments]] of the human [[mind]].
*7. ''Accidental wealth''—riches derived from the [[generosity]] of one's fellows or taking [[origin]] in the circumstances of life.
*8. ''Stolen wealth''—riches secured by unfairness, dishonesty, theft, or [[fraud]].
*9. ''Trust funds''—[[wealth]] lodged in your hands by your fellows for some specific use, now or in the [[future]].
*10. ''Earned wealth''—riches derived directly from your own [[personal]] labor, the [[fair]] and just reward of your own daily [[efforts]] of [[mind]] and [[body]].
132:5.3 " And so, my [[friend]], if you would be a [[faithful]] and just [[steward]] of your large fortune, before [[God]] and in service to men, you must approximately divide your [[wealth]] into these [[ten]] grand divisions, and then proceed to [[administer]] each portion in [[accordance]] with the [[wise]] and [[honest]] [[interpretation]] of the [[laws]] of [[justice]], equity, [[fairness]], and true [[efficiency]]; albeit, the [[God]] of [[heaven]] would not condemn you if sometimes you erred, in doubtful situations, on the side of [[merciful]] and unselfish regard for the distress of the suffering [[victims]] of the unfortunate circumstances of [[mortal]] life. When in [[honest]] [[doubt]] about the [[equity]] and [[justice]] of material situations, let your [[decisions]] favor those who are in need, favor those who [[suffer]] the misfortune of undeserved hardships. "
132:5.4 After [[discussing]] these matters for several hours and in [[response]] to the rich man's request for further and more detailed instruction, [[Jesus]] went on to amplify his [[advice]], in substance saying: " While I offer further suggestions concerning your [[attitude]] toward [[wealth]], I would admonish you to receive my counsel as given only to you and for your [[personal]] [[guidance]]. I speak only for myself and to you as an [[inquiring]] friend. I adjure you not to become a [[dictator]] as to how other rich men shall regard their [[wealth]]. I would advise you:
132:5.5 " 1. As [[steward]] of inherited wealth you should consider its [[sources]]. You are under [[moral]] [[obligation]] to [[represent]] the [[past]] [[generation]] in the [[honest]] [[transmittal]] of legitimate [[wealth]] to succeeding [[generations]] after subtracting a fair toll for the benefit of the present generation. But you are not obligated to perpetuate any dishonesty or injustice involved in the unfair accumulation of [[wealth]] by your [[ancestors]]. Any portion of your inherited wealth which turns out to have been derived through [[fraud]] or unfairness, you may disburse in [[accordance]] with your [[convictions]] of [[justice]], [[generosity]], and restitution. The remainder of your legitimate inherited wealth you may use in equity and transmit in [[security]] as the trustee of one [[generation]] for another. Wise [[discrimination]] and sound [[judgment]] should dictate your [[decisions]] regarding the bequest of riches to your successors.
132:5.6 " 2. Everyone who enjoys [[wealth]] as a result of [[discovery]] should remember that one [[individual]] can live on [[earth]] but a short [[season]] and should, therefore, make adequate provision for the [[sharing]] of these discoveries in helpful ways by the largest possible number of his fellow men. While the discoverer should not be denied all reward for [[efforts]] of [[discovery]], neither should he [[selfish]]ly presume to lay claim to all of the [[advantages]] and [[blessings]] to be derived from the uncovering of [[nature]]'s hoarded [[resources]].
132:5.7 " 3. As long as men [[choose]] to conduct the world's [[business]] by [[trade]] and [[barter]], they are entitled to a fair and legitimate [[profit]]. Every tradesman deserves wages for his [[services]]; the merchant is entitled to his hire. The [[fairness]] of trade and the honest treatment accorded one's fellows in the [[organized]] [[business]] of the world create many different sorts of [[profit]] [[wealth]], and all these sources of wealth must be judged by the highest principles of [[justice]], [[honesty]], and [[fairness]]. The honest trader should not [[hesitate]] to take the same [[profit]] which he would gladly accord his fellow trader in a similar [[transaction]]. While this sort of [[wealth]] is not identical with [[individually]] earned income when business dealings are conducted on a large [[scale]], at the same time, such honestly accumulated [[wealth]] endows its possessor with a considerable equity as regards a [[voice]] in its subsequent [[distribution]].
132:5.8 " 4. No [[mortal]] who knows [[God]] and seeks to do the [[divine]] will can stoop to [[engage]] in the [[oppression]]s of [[wealth]]. No [[noble]] man will strive to accumulate riches and amass [[wealth]]-[[power]] by the enslavement or unfair [[exploitation]] of his brothers in the flesh. Riches are a [[moral]] [[curse]] and a [[spiritual]] [[stigma]] when they are derived from the sweat of [[oppressed]] [[mortal]] man. All such wealth should be restored to those who have thus been robbed or to their [[children]] and their children's children. An enduring [[civilization]] cannot be built upon the [[practice]] of defrauding the laborer of his hire.
132:5.9 " 5. [[Honest]] [[wealth]] is entitled to interest. As long as men borrow and lend, that which is fair interest may be collected provided the [[capital]] lent was legitimate [[wealth]]. First cleanse your capital before you lay claim to the interest. Do not become so small and grasping that you would stoop to the [[practice]] of [[usury]]. Never [[permit]] yourself to be so [[selfish]] as to employ [[money]]-[[power]] to gain unfair [[advantage]] over your struggling fellows. Yield not to the [[temptation]] to take usury from your brother in [[financial]] distress.
132:5.10 " 6. If you [[chance]] to secure [[wealth]] by flights of [[genius]], if your riches are derived from the rewards of [[inventive]] [[endowment]], do not lay claim to an unfair portion of such rewards. The [[genius]] owes something to both his [[ancestors]] and his [[progeny]]; likewise is he under [[obligation]] to the [[race]], [[nation]], and circumstances of his [[inventive]] [[discoveries]]; he should also remember that it was as man among men that he labored and wrought out his [[inventions]]. It would be equally unjust to deprive the [[genius]] of all his increment of [[wealth]]. And it will ever be impossible for men to establish rules and regulations applicable equally to all these [[problems]] of the equitable [[distribution]] of [[wealth]]. You must first [[recognize]] man as your brother, and if you [[honestly]] [[desire]] to do by him as you would have him do by you, the commonplace dictates of [[justice]], [[honesty]], and [[fairness]] will [[guide]] you in the just and impartial settlement of every recurring [[problem]] of [[economic]] rewards and [[social]] [[justice]].
132:5.11 " 7. Except for the [[just]] and legitimate fees earned in [[administration]], no man should lay [[personal]] claim to that [[wealth]] which time and [[chance]] may cause to fall into his hands. [[Accidental]] riches should be regarded somewhat in the light of a [[trust]] to be expended for the benefit of one's [[social]] or [[economic]] group. The possessors of such [[wealth]] should be accorded the major [[voice]] in the determination of the [[wise]] and [[effective]] [[distribution]] of such unearned [[resources]]. Civilized man will not always look upon all that he [[controls]] as his [[personal]] and [[private]] [[possession]].
132:5.12 " 8. If any portion of your fortune has been knowingly derived from [[fraud]]; if aught of your [[wealth]] has been accumulated by dishonest [[practices]] or unfair [[methods]]; if your riches are the product of unjust dealings with your fellows, make haste to restore all these ill-gotten gains to the rightful owners. Make full amends and thus cleanse your fortune of all dishonest riches.
132:5.13 " 9. The trusteeship of the [[wealth]] of one [[person]] for the benefit of others is a [[solemn]] and [[sacred]] [[responsibility]]. Do not hazard or jeopardize such a [[trust]]. Take for yourself of any trust only that which all [[honest]] men would allow.
132:5.14 " 10. That part of your fortune which [[represents]] the earnings of your own [[mental]] and [[physical]] [[efforts]]—if your [[work]] has been done in [[fairness]] and equity—is truly your own. No man can gainsay your right to hold and use such [[wealth]] as you may see fit provided your exercise of this right does not work harm upon your fellows. "
132:5.15 When [[Jesus]] had finished [[counsel]]ing him, this wealthy Roman arose from his couch and, in saying [[farewell]] for the night, delivered himself of this [[promise]]: " My good [[friend]], I [[perceive]] you are a man of great [[wisdom]] and [[goodness]], and tomorrow I will begin the [[administration]] of all my [[wealth]] in [[accordance]] with your [[counsel]]. "
<center>[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_132 Go to Paper 132]</center>
<center>[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_Urantia_Text_-_Contents Go to Table of Contents]</center>
[[Category:Paper 132 - The Sojourn at Rome]]