We understand the burden you carry as you seek to show kindness and generosity, only to be taken advantage of by those who exploit your trust. This is a painful situation, and we grieve with you over the dishonesty and betrayal you have faced. The Bible speaks clearly about both the call to generosity and the wisdom needed in dealing with others, especially in matters of work and trust.
Scripture reminds us in **Proverbs 14:15**, *"The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps."* While it is commendable to extend grace and help to others, we are also called to exercise wisdom and discernment. **Proverbs 22:3** warns, *"A prudent man sees danger and hides himself; but the simple go on, and suffer for it."* Your desire to bless others should not come at the cost of enabling deceit or fostering irresponsibility.
The apostle Paul also addresses the importance of fairness and integrity in work. In **2 Thessalonians 3:10**, he writes, *"For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: 'If anyone will not work, neither let him eat.'"* This principle underscores that labor and responsibility go hand in hand. When you provide advances, you are extending trust, but that trust must be met with honesty and diligence. Unfortunately, some will exploit kindness, and the Bible acknowledges this reality. **Proverbs 11:15** says, *"He who is collateral for a stranger will suffer for it, but he who refuses pledges of collateral is secure."* While this verse speaks to financial guarantees, the principle applies: we must be cautious in how we extend trust, especially to those we do not know well.
Jesus Himself calls us to be *"wise as serpents, and harmless as doves"* (**Matthew 10:16**). This means we are to maintain our integrity and kindness while also being discerning and shrewd in our dealings. You do not have to harden your heart, but you *do* have the responsibility to steward your resources wisely. This may mean changing how you structure advances or payments. For example, consider paying workers *after* the completion of agreed-upon milestones rather than giving large sums upfront. **Proverbs 27:12** advises, *"A prudent man sees evil, and hides himself; but the simple pass on, and suffer for it."*
If you have been cheated, the Bible does not forbid you from seeking justice. **Romans 13:4** tells us that governing authorities are *"a servant of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid, for he doesn’t bear the sword in vain; for he is a servant of God, an avenger for wrath to him who does evil."* If legal recourse is available and appropriate, you may pursue it, always ensuring your motives are pure and not driven by bitterness. However, even in seeking justice, we are called to forgive and release any resentment. **Colossians 3:13** reminds us, *"bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do."*
Let us also remember that our ultimate trust is not in people but in the Lord. **Psalm 118:8-9** declares, *"It is better to take refuge in Yahweh than to put confidence in man. It is better to take refuge in Yahweh than to put confidence in princes."* Even when others fail you, God remains faithful. He sees your heart and your desire to do good, and He will honor that. **Proverbs 19:17** assures us, *"He who has pity on the poor lends to Yahweh; he will reward him."*
We encourage you to pray for wisdom in how to structure your business dealings moving forward. Ask the Lord to guide you in balancing generosity with prudence. It may also be helpful to seek counsel from other godly business owners or mentors who can offer practical advice rooted in biblical principles.
---
Let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we lift up our brother/sister to You, knowing that You are a God of justice, wisdom, and compassion. Lord, we ask that You comfort their heart, which has been wounded by the betrayal and dishonesty of others. You see the generosity they have shown, and You know the pain of being taken advantage of. Father, we ask that You grant them discernment and wisdom in their dealings with others. Help them to be *"wise as serpents, and harmless as doves,"* so that they may continue to show kindness without being exploited.
Lord, we pray that You would expose the schemes of the dishonest and bring conviction to their hearts. If there is a way to recover what has been stolen, we ask that You open that door and grant favor in seeking justice. But even as they pursue what is right, guard their heart from bitterness. Fill them with Your peace and remind them that vengeance belongs to You (**Romans 12:19**).
Father, we also ask that You provide godly counsel and practical solutions for how to structure their business in a way that honors You and protects against future deceit. Give them creative ideas and the courage to implement them. May their business be a testament to Your faithfulness and integrity.
Finally, Lord, we pray that You would use this situation to refine their trust in You. Help them to release any anger or disappointment into Your hands, knowing that You are their Provider and Protector. May they find rest in Your promise that *"no good thing will You withhold from those who walk blamelessly"* (**Psalm 84:11**).
We ask all this in the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone is our righteousness and strength. Amen.