The members of the younger generation would do well to
ponder the above statement of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in which He conditions the
acquisition of wealth on diligent work and the grace of God. Let them weigh
carefully in their hearts and minds the difference between gaining wealth
through earnest effort in fields such as agriculture, commerce, the arts, and industry,
on the one hand, and, on the other, obtaining it without exertion or through dishonourable
means. Let them consider the consequences of each for the spiritual development
of the individual, as well as the progress of society, and ask themselves what possibilities
exist for generating income and acquiring wealth that will draw down confirmations
from on high. It will surely become evident, as they do so, that what will
attract God’s blessings and ensure true happiness both in this world and in the
next is the development of spiritual qualities, such as honesty,
trustworthiness, generosity, justice, and consideration for others, and the
recognition that material means are to be expended for the betterment of the
world.
- The Universal House of Justice (From a letter dated 2 April 2010,
addressed to the Believers in the Cradle of the Faith)
