Hidden treasures

My wallet was wearing out—the snap prone to loosen and fling my money and vital information to any and all.  It was a hand-me-down to start with—and I don’t mind used items that still have good wear.  But the time had come for me to shop for another at my favorite bargain haunt: a thrift store.  One seemed to fit my needs with just enough “pockets." But as I unzipped the front compartment, I discovered two twenty-dollar bills! What came to mind immediately—and I am not making this up—was an odd little proverb I’d read long ago:

“It’s no good, it’s no good!” says the buyer, then off he goes and boasts about his purchase. (Proverbs 20:14)

It's one thing to be dishonest, but another to bargain. I engaged in a lot of "bargaining" with customers during the "estate sales" I had to hold after both sets of parents died. I was glad to help people find a reasonable bargain for something they needed. And when I tag along when my husband goes to yard sales, I’ve done my own “suggesting” of a price, especially when there’s a sign that says “make offer.” It’s expected in the garage sale culture.

 But I couldn’t knowingly slip out the front door of this store with a two-dollar wallet and $40 hidden inside. When I went to purchase it, I told the clerk, “I am an honest person, and I found this money in a pocket.  The sorter must have overlooked it.”  After getting over the shock of my statement, she thanked me for my honesty, and asked if it would be okay to donate it to the store fund (the store chain helps disabled people). I walked out the door with an empty new wallet and a clear conscience.

BLAMELESSNESS

 Later that day at home, I looked up that vaguely-remembered verse, and took note of two others about honesty just above it:

“Differing weights and differing measures—the Lord detests them both.” (Proverbs 20:10)

“The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him.”  (Proverbs 20:7)

I know the book of Proverbs contains many admonitions to honesty.  It’s a trait that doesn’t “sell well” in our current “it’s-all-about-me” culture.  But that day, in a store aisle with no other customer nearby to witness it, I had a greater Witness--One whom I was glad to obey. I received the hidden treasure of doing what's right. And I still got a great wallet for less than "new" price.