He who receives money in trust to administer for the benefit of

Hear now, O children of wisdom, the powerful words of José Martí, who speaks thus: "He who receives money in trust to administer for the benefit of its owner, and uses it either for his own interest or against the wishes of its rightful owner, is a thief." These words ring with the clarity of truth, striking at the very heart of integrity, trust, and honor. For in them lies a profound teaching that transcends mere financial dealings; it speaks to the sacred duty entrusted to us when we are given the responsibility to care for what belongs to others.

In the ancient world, trust was one of the highest virtues. The Greeks believed that a man’s word was his bond, and that the honor of a person was more valuable than gold. They understood that wealth, like any form of power, was not merely for personal gain but was a tool to be used for the common good. In Athens, citizens who held power, whether as generals, politicians, or administrators, were expected to act not out of self-interest, but out of a duty to the state and its people. To betray that trust, to use what was entrusted to you for personal gain, was seen as one of the gravest offenses—equivalent to theft of the highest order.

In the Roman Republic, the concept of fides—faithfulness and trust—was foundational to their legal and social systems. If a man or woman was entrusted with the care of another’s wealth or property, it was understood that they must manage it with the utmost integrity. The punishment for betrayal of this trust was severe, for the Romans believed that when trust was broken, the very fabric of society unraveled. Brutus, the Roman senator who played a key role in the assassination of Julius Caesar, represents a figure who both betrayed trust and acted in the name of a greater cause. Yet, even in his betrayal, he sought justification by appealing to what he believed was his duty to the Roman state. The lesson here is that betrayal of trust is not just a personal violation, but a societal one, with far-reaching consequences.

The wise teachings of José Martí echo through the ages, as they remind us of our sacred duty when we are entrusted with the wealth or well-being of others. It is not just in the matter of money that trust is tested, but in the stewardship of all things entrusted to us—whether it be the care of loved ones, the protection of resources, or the responsibility for the welfare of a community. Just as the ancient Greeks and Romans understood the importance of fides, so too must we recognize that when we are given responsibility, we must act in the interest of others, not in pursuit of our own desires.

Consider the story of King Solomon, who, in his wisdom, was entrusted with the care of his people and the treasures of the kingdom. When two women came before him, each claiming to be the mother of the same child, Solomon did not simply judge based on words alone. He used his wisdom to uncover the truth, knowing that trust—the trust placed in him as a ruler—was sacred. His judgment was not for his own glory, but for the benefit of the people he served. This is the essence of stewardship—to use the resources entrusted to you in a way that reflects the best interest of those who have placed their trust in you.

The lesson that José Martí imparts is timeless: to betray the trust of another is not merely a personal failing, but a violation of the moral and social contract that binds us all. When we are given wealth, whether in the form of money, power, or influence, we must act with the highest sense of duty and honor. To use those resources for our own selfish ends, to act in opposition to the wishes of those who have entrusted us with them, is not merely a breach of etiquette, but a moral crime of the highest order.

So, O children of wisdom, let this teaching guide you in all that you do. Whether you are entrusted with money, the well-being of another, or any form of responsibility, remember that your duty is to act in the interest of those who have placed their trust in you. Do not seek to exploit what is given to you for your own benefit, but use it for the good of all. The integrity with which you carry out your duties will determine not only your own worth but the strength of the community that relies on you. Trust is the most sacred of bonds—guard it with your life, for once broken, it can never be fully restored.

Thus, walk the earth with honor, integrity, and wisdom, knowing that the resources and responsibilities entrusted to you are not yours to abuse. Serve with a heart that is guided by the welfare of others, and in doing so, you will not only fulfill your duty but elevate the world around you. The true wealth lies not in what you possess, but in the way you carry the trust of those who rely upon you. Let this lesson of José Martí be a guiding light in your life, and may you pass it down to future generations, that they too may walk with integrity and honor in all things.