Nice Guys (or Gals) Don’t Always Finish Last

A person given to wrong earns an empty wage, but he that sows what is right reaps a true reward.
—KingSolomon, Wisdom Teacher

Proverbs suggests there are two ways or paths for life: wisdom’s way and the wrong way. The two ways have different outcomes: One earns an empty wage while the other reaps a true reward. What we sow gives us an idea of what we will reap. This is called the law of recompense.

The law of recompense is a natural law; it describes the way things are. According to this law, as a matter of course: The good gain, and the bad lose. “But hold on,” you say, “Things don't always work out this way.” You make a valid point. We can all identify instances when someone did something good (perhaps you), and the good was overlooked. Likewise, we can all point to people who have gotten gain by questionable means. This outcome may prompt the cynics to say, “Nice guys [or gals] always finish last.”

Rewards like peace of mind, satisfaction, or self-respect cannot be placed on a scale or received in an ovation. They are ultimately more rewarding than possessions or social status; they are true rewards. Tell a Friend

The problem could be that we expect our return to be tangible, obvious, or measurable, such as monetary compensation, material possessions, or the applause of men, but rewards such as peace of mind, satisfaction, or self-respect cannot be placed on a scale or received in an ovation. They are ultimately more rewarding than possessions or social status; they are true rewards.

Typically, when we speak of gain, we are thinking materially. While Proverbs does suggest that we might obtain material rewards by following wisdom’s ways, it is not guaranteed. Material gains may be on their way, but if they come, they will arrive in their season. We must keep in mind that the more visible fruits take time to mature. Wisdom’s ultimate objective, however, is not to make you materially “well off” but to enable you to enjoy life and relationships. I ask you, what good are material possessions if you lack the capacity to enjoy them? The ability to enjoy life, this is a true reward.

You might say we are oblivious to the blessings bestowed upon us from doing right. Instead of looking outward at the measurable, we must look inward to the immeasurable. There we will find our harvest: the contentment, joy, and satisfaction that comes in doing right and living well.