Clever Bargaining

Whenever we buy things at a discounted price, like a bag or a T-Shirt at almost half the price, we often brag about this to others and say, “Wow, I bought this at such a bargain! I got a steal!”

Why do we feel excited about it? It is because we were able to convince the seller to give us the item at a price lower than what it really costs. But the art of convincing, if done with a deceitful tongue, can also be called as unjust manipulation of the poor vendor. It is plain stealing.

The Word of God clearly illustrates this in Proverbs 20:14,

“’It’s no good, it’s no good’ says the buyer;

then off he goes and boasts about his purchase.”

There was once a woman who wanted to buy sticks of bananaque from a boy at almost half the price. The boy reasoned out that his mother will incur losses and that it is their only way of supplementing their income. But the woman still insisted and even used sweet words to convince the boy, until he succumbed to her proddings. She was really glad with her bargaining prowess but the boy was glum when he realized that he was deceived by the woman. How did I know? I was that boy 25 years ago.

Let us be just and honest in our words and actions. Let us not take advantage of others and let us consider the effects of our undertakings to the people around us. Let us play fair and square.

Binhing Rizal - June 2009