of God, the True One.
Reflect, O people, upon the Mercy of God and upon His Favors, then
thank Him in the mornings and evenings.

Waste not your time in idleness and indolence, and occupy
yourselves with that which will profit yourselves and others
beside yourselves, Thus hath the matter been decreed in this
Tablet, from the Horizon of which the Sun of Wisdom and Divine
Utterance is gleaming! The most despised of men before is he who
sits and begs. Cling unto the rope of means, relying upon God, the
Causer of Causes.--Glad Tidings.

How much of the energy employed in the business world of today is expended
simply in canceling and neutralizing the efforts of other people--in
useless strife and competition! And how much in ways that are still more
injurious! Were all to work, and were all work, whether of brain or hand,
of a nature profitable to mankind, as Baha'u'llah commands, then the
supplies of everything necessary for a healthy, comfortable and noble life
would amply suffice for all. There need be no slums, no starvation, no
destitution, no industrial slavery, no health-destroying drudgery.

The Ethics of Wealth

According to the Baha'i teachings, riches rightly acquired and rightly
used are honorable and praiseworthy. Services rendered should be
adequately rewarded. Baha'u'llah says in the Tablet of Tarazat:--"The
people of Baha must not refuse to discharge the due reward of anyone, and
must respect possessors of talent, ... One must speak with justice and
recognize the worth of benefits."

With regard to interest on money, Baha'u'llah writes in the Tablet of
I_sh_raqat as follows:--

Most of the people are found to be in need of this matter; for if
no interest be allowed, affairs (business) will be trammeled and
obstructed.... A person is rarely found who would lend money to
anyone upon the principle of "Qar-i-hasan" (literally "good loan,"
i.e. money advanced without interest and repaid at the pleasure of
the borrower). Consequently, out of favor to the servants, We have
appointed "profit on money" to be current, among other business
transactions which are in force among people. That is ... it is
allowable, lawful and pure to charge interest on money ... but
this matter must be conducted with moderation and justice. The Pen
of Glory has withheld itself from laying down its limits, as a
Wisdom from His Presence