Treat all people right, while on the way up, so that at least one of them will remember you, on the way down.
The importance of treating others with respect and kindness throughout one’s journey is paramount in life; it ensures in times of hardship, there will be at least one person who remembers your actions. The path to success is often described as a “lonely road,” but in truth, it is the descent from the peak that can feel even more isolating, particularly when one faces the challenges of decline.
Therefore, it is essential to extend favor to others, not only for mutual benefit but also as a reflection of Divine favor. While many may fail to recall the kindness you have shown them, it is crucial to understand that there is always ONE who remembers—God HIMSELF. Every act of kindness, whether acknowledged by others or not, is observed by God. HE values such behavior far beyond the fleeting recognition of man.
In youth, when one is strong and ambitious, it is wise to cultivate favor by treating others well. As one grows older and becomes more vulnerable, the kindness extended to others throughout life will become a valuable resource. For it is a blessing to have at least one person to advocate for you based on the positive impact you have made in the lives of others.
This principle of kindness and reciprocity echoes the timeless lesson found in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-35). The enduring value of compassion and mercy, irrespective of one’s position or status in life.
Luke 10:30-35
New International Version
30 “In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ ”
Luke 10:30-35
King James Version
30 “And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.
33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,
34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.”
Luke 10:30-35
Living Bible
30 “Jesus replied with an illustration: “A Jew going on a trip from Jerusalem to Jericho was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes and money, and beat him up and left him lying half dead beside the road.
31 “By chance a Jewish priest came along; and when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. 32 A Jewish Temple-assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but then went on.
33 “But a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw him, he felt deep pity. 34 Kneeling beside him the Samaritan soothed his wounds with medicine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his donkey and walked along beside him till they came to an inn, where he nursed him through the night. 35 The next day he handed the innkeeper two twenty-dollar bills and told him to take care of the man. ‘If his bill runs higher than that,’ he said, ‘I’ll pay the difference the next time I am here.’ ”