Wealth and wisdom in today's economy

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We have all met or heard of people with great financial wealth who are very unhappy. They are busy yet truly unfulfilled and are often lonely, with or without a family living at home with them.

Most of us are in need of financial stability, and many are desperate for it right now. This is an easily understandable need and desire. Yet, we could miss something even more important than this if we do not pause and take inventory of what else makes us happy.

What is that? It is gaining wisdom!

I had one business person tell me he is learning what is really important in his life: food on the table and his family. If we gain new levels of understanding, insight and wisdom, these can serve us well for the rest of our families' lives.

The benefit of pursuing wisdom first is you can have both wisdom and wealth. Yet, it doesn't work the other way: wisdom is willing to give up financial wealth to preserve itself, but few people are willing to give up financial wealth to gain wisdom. It is a trap.

One of my favorite thoughts on this is from Proverbs, Chapter 8: “Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her. I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion.” Reading this is a great reminder of the importance of seeking wisdom over financial wealth.

Without a shadow of doubt, our most successful franchisees during this economy and prior are those that have a reputation of being prudent and financially frugal. Today they are considered very wise, whereas they are often perceived as too conservative during a good economy.

It is amazing how wisdom shows up over the long haul, but is often missed in the sprint or short-term. During these times, I have picked up distinctions I don't think I could have except through some of the significant challenges of the current economic time.

Another translation of the proverb I previously referenced is stated in more current terms: “Prefer my life-disciplines over chasing after money, and divine knowledge over a lucrative career. For wisdom is better than all the trappings of wealth, nothing you could wish for holds a candle to her. I am lady wisdom, and I live next to sanity; knowledge and discretion live just down the street.”

How much is sanity worth? It is like those commercials say: “Priceless!”

We each have a huge opportunity living through today's economy to gain great wisdom if we surrender to the fact that the lessons are more valuable than the money or financial wealth lost. This creates an even greater ability to attain wealth, honor and a treasure-filled, abundant life.

Don't waste the pain and challenges you have been living through. Rather, benefit from the true wisdom that is before you. Seize it and invest it in your future plans, whatever they may be.

With recovery now around the next corner for most, let's not miss taking the time to reflect while the lessons are fresh and the door is open for a quantum leap in our personal and business lives.

As a community of entrepreneurs and remodelers, we need to encourage one another and hold each other up. Make an extra call to a business associate today and plant a good seed of optimism, share your faith in them and your belief that financial blessings are coming their way.

S. Truett Cathy, founder and chairman of Chick-fil-A and a mentor of mine, often says, “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches.” He has strived for this his entire life and, today, he not only has this, but is also recognized as one of Forbes 400 richest Americans.

You may discover you are wealthier than you ever imagined, albeit not all financial wealth, but in wisdom that has longer lasting value to you and those you care about.