Dr. Tan Tek Seng

DAILY REFLECTION

4 Feb 2026

“Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.” (Proverbs 16:8) 

In the marketplace, Christians often encounter complex ethical crossroads—moments when choosing honesty may come at a personal cost, or when loyalty to a superior seems to clash with God’s higher standards of righteousness. In such moments, God’s Word speaks gently yet firmly, reminding us that no level of worldly success or financial gain can ever replace the priceless value of integrity and faithfulness.

True success is not measured by profits, position, or recognition, but by the character we display and the godliness with which we walk each day. To live with “a little and righteousness” is to wholeheartedly embrace God’s ways—practicing honesty, justice, humility, and reverence in every decision, even when the visible rewards appear modest.

In contrast, “much gain with injustice” serves as a sober warning. It cautions us against the temptation to pursue advancement through compromise, deceit, or exploitation. Such gains may appear attractive and immediate, but they eroded trust, broken relationships, a troubled conscience, and ultimately, the loss of God’s favor.

As we navigate the pressures and temptations of daily work, God’s Word remains our unwavering moral compass. It equips us to stand firm in fairness, transparency, and righteousness, enabling us to reflect Christ’s light in a world often shaped by compromise.

Proverbs 16:8 reminds us that the wealth of greatest value is not found in bank accounts or titles, but in the integrity with which we conduct our work and the righteousness that marks the way we live our lives before God.

“God is more interested in making your life holy than He is in making your life happy"

-Rick Warren