Integrity Worth More Than Riches

Author Larry Burkett writes: An antique dealer named Roy bought what he thought might be Jefferson's desk, which disappeared during the Civil War. But concluding it was simply a good reproduction, he included it in his auction. On auction day, a woman came in, loved the desk, and promised to pick it up and pay next day.


Before the auction, bidder Tom examined the desk. "Did you get a good price for that desk you have a hold on, Roy?"
"Just what I had in it - at least I will tomorrow."


"I'll give you twice what you paid right now!"


"You're crazy, Tom. That's not an original, just a good copy."


"No, Roy. Only the insides of the drawers have been replaced. The chestnut is 18th century; the craftsmanship is definitely original."

When the woman arrived next morning, Roy explained what he'd learned. "Then you won't sell it?" the woman asked dejectedly. "Yes, I will," Roy replied. "I gave my word."


But after weighing the responsibility of owning a Jefferson desk, she told Roy she'd settle for a good reproduction. Roy sold the desk to a museum. He presented the woman with a beautiful reproduction plus a check for $100,000. He realized his integrity was worth more than a short-term profit.


Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.
- Philippians 4:8 (New American Standard Bible)






Dear Lord we pray that we will have the integrity to do what we know is right. We pray that it will be a blessing to those around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.