Wisdom Better than Jewels

Mendoza considered this question for a long time, seeming in no hurry to respond. At last, he asked, "It sounds like you are saying your company is facing bankruptcy. Is that right?"

Ranell's lower lip curled under, and tears threatened his eyes. The muscles of his jaw writhed with tension. He said nothing, just nodded his head, confirming Mendoza's suspicions.

Mendoza's eyes widened for a moment at Ranell's intense reaction, but then he, too, regained his composure. "Hmm… I see. As bad as that? I'm no businessman, Josef. Is there no hope at all for GML?"

Ranell’s chin dropped to his chest. He shook his head.

“Take my discipline, not silver, and my knowledge rather than fine gold, because wisdom is better than jewels. Nothing you desire can equal it.” Mendoza intoned the words as if from memory.

Ranell turned to cast a perplexed glance at his friend. The statement seemed familiar. “Is that from the Bible?” he asked respectfully. But inside he couldn’t help thinking, right now I need a solution, not a sermon.

“Proverbs.” Mendoza nodded. “I’m not sure of the chapter, maybe eight… but I think the message applies to you now.”

Ranell tried to consider the message but impatiently cast aside the thought. "What discipline, Father? How can ‘wisdom’ be more valuable to my employees when they don’t even have enough to eat?”

“Josef, you are making a mistake by conflating all these things together in your mind.” Mendoza held up one finger to make his point. “I speak with authority, my son. I was in Venezuela when the bishops led the charge for Maduro’s removal.” He dropped his finger and re-clasped his hands behind his back with a sigh. “That was a long time ago, but I remember it well. I remember how it felt to me then. We lost everything too.”

They shared a look as deep understanding flowed between them.

Something in Ranell’s heart loosened. My employees can't possibly have it as bad as the Venezuelans did. “How could God let this happen?”

“No, no, no,” Mendoza wagged a finger, “That is not the right question. You say they will be poor. You say they will suffer. But I, myself, have taken vows of poverty. I am from a country that is still mocked for its poverty. I know every ugly face of poverty. I know what I’m talking about.”

Sensing there was more, Ranell craned his neck forward, listening intently.

“I'm not telling you that these people will not suffer. They will.” Mendoza continued. “I’m telling you that you must trust that they will be able to endure it."

“Is this the wisdom that is more valuable than jewels.” Ranell was beginning to understand.

Mendoza placed a hand meaningfully on Ranell’s shoulder. “Si. This is what really matters.”

Mendoza's face radiated with intensity. "They are no longer your employees, Josef. They are God's people. They always were, and they always will be. We all suffer. This is the human condition. Your sins have been forgiven, my son. Now go in peace.”