A lesson in wisdom and Integrity

 

A Test of Prudence: A Lesson in Wisdom and Integrity

Life has a way of presenting situations that test one's wisdom and character, often in the most unexpected moments. At the age of 75, having lived through decades of experiences, both good and bad, I have learned the importance of discernment, especially when dealing with financial matters. One such incident occurred recently, reinforcing my belief in staying true to my principles and avoiding unnecessary risks.

A few weeks ago, two real estate brokers visited my home with a proposal regarding the sale of my land. They spoke convincingly, promising an attractive price of Rs 90 lakh for the property. However, their method of execution immediately raised red flags. They insisted on signing an agreement wherein I would receive a mere Rs 10 lakh upfront, with the remaining Rs 80 lakh to be paid after six months. Their arguments were persuasive, their demeanor seemingly trustworthy, but my instincts urged caution.

Having spent a lifetime witnessing the rapid rise in fraudulent activities, particularly in Kerala, where financial scams are reported daily in newspapers, I knew that such an arrangement was fraught with danger. The moment I heard their proposal, I firmly stated my terms: a full down payment without any pre-agreement formalities. I was unwilling to expose myself to the possibility of deceit, litigation, or financial ruin, especially at this stage of my life, when peace and security were far more valuable than any monetary gain.

The brokers, perhaps sensing my hesitation, employed various tactics to convince me. They used smooth rhetoric, assurances of a trustworthy transaction, and even emotional appeals, but I remained steadfast. I could see through their real motive—the commission. If the deal had gone through, they stood to pocket Rs 1.80 lakh as their brokerage fee, while I would be left to navigate the uncertain waters of a delayed payment.

As someone who has always placed his faith in God and led a life guided by ethical values, I refused to be drawn into a transaction that carried even a hint of deception. My financial stability meant that I was not in desperate need of money, and therefore, I had the privilege of choosing security over risk.

Finally, realizing that their attempts to sway me had failed, the brokers left my house, disappointed. I, on the other hand, felt a sense of victory—not just over their persuasive tactics, but over the potential trouble I had successfully avoided. This experience reinforced a valuable lesson: in matters of money and trust, one must always exercise prudence, no matter how lucrative an offer appears.

At my age, peace of mind is my greatest wealth. I am grateful for the wisdom that guided me through this situation, ensuring that I remained untouched by deception. Life will always present opportunities, but not all are worth taking. Some, like this one, are best left untouched, for true prosperity lies in making decisions that safeguard one’s integrity and well-being.

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