How many a man might have escaped financial failure and ruin by heeding the warnings, so often repeated and emphasized in the Scriptures:— “He that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.”[186] “Wealth gotten in haste shall be diminished; but he that gathereth by labor shall have increase.”[187] “The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.”[188] “The borrower is servant to the lender.”[188] “He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it; and he that hateth suretyship is sure.”[188] “Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless; for their Redeemer is mighty; He shall plead their cause with thee.” “He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.” “Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein; and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.”[189] [Sidenote: _Basis of Confidence_] These are principles with which are bound up the well-being of society, of both secular and religious associations. It is these principles that give security to property and life. For all that makes confidence and co-operation possible, the world is indebted to the law of God, as given in His word, and as still traced, in lines often obscure and well-nigh obliterated, in the hearts of men. * * * * * [Sidenote: _Best Capital_] The psalmist’s words, “The law of Thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver,”[190] state that which is true from other than a religious point of view. They state an absolute truth, and one that is recognized in the business world. Even in this age of passion for money-getting, when competition is so sharp, and methods are so unscrupulous, it is still widely acknowledged that, for a young man starting in life, integrity, diligence, temperance, purity, and thrift constitute a better capital than any amount of mere money. * * * * * Yet even of those who appreciate the value of these qualities and acknowledge the Bible as their source, there are but few who recognize the principle upon which they depend. [Sidenote: _Stewardship_] That which lies at the foundation of business integrity and of true success is the recognition of God’s ownership. The Creator of all things, He is the original proprietor. We are His stewards. All that we have is a trust from Him, to be used according to His direction. This is an obligation that rests upon every human being. It has to do with the whole sphere of human activity. Whether we recognize it or not, we are stewards, supplied from God with talents and facilities, and placed in the world to do a work appointed by Him. To every man is given “his work,”[191]—the work for which his capabilities adapt him,—the work which will result in greatest good to himself and to his fellow-men, and in greatest honor to God. [Sidenote: “_Be Not Anxious_”]