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Two Powers that can make Man Rich
By Dr. Lawrence Osifo
Book Two
Chapter One
The Power of the Truth
In the bustling Ogbe quarter in Benin City, two young men, Osifo and Osagie, were close friends but with very different views of life. They would often go to sit under the tall shady tree at King’s square; near Oba market, debating about wealth, success, and the meaning of life.
One bright morning, Osifo looked at Osagie and said,
“Osagie, I have been thinking. People say wealth is money, gold, and possessions. But when I read the words of Jesus, He said, ‘You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’ Is it possible that truth itself is a kind of wealth?”
Osagie frowned. “Wealth is wealth, my friend. Look at Chief Okoro’s mansion. Look at his expensive cars. That is riches. Truth cannot buy bread.”
Osifo smiled. “You are wrong. Truth feeds the soul. The power of truth brings freedom from fear, freedom from guilt, and freedom from bondage. That freedom makes a man truly rich.”
He paused and added, “To be rich does not only mean to own material things. It also means to have abundance of values; — peace, joy, kindness, love, mercy, and godly virtues. Jesus was the richest man, not because He had silver or gold, but because He was rich in love, compassion, and truth.
He said, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life.’ When a man knows the truth, he becomes wealthy in values that money cannot buy.”
Osagie thought deeply. For the first time, he began to see wealth in a new light. He realised that a liar may have money, but without peace, love, and joy, such a person lives like a beggar clothed in gold.
Osifo concluded with a firm voice: “Brother, the truth is power. And this power can make a man rich forever.”

Reflection Questions – Chapter One
1. What did Osifo mean when he said truth is a kind of wealth?
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2. According to the story, what values make a man truly rich?
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3. Why did Osagie initially disagree with Osifo?
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4. In what ways was Jesus described as rich?
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5. How can knowing the truth bring freedom?
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Chapter Two
The Power of the Lie
One evening, Osagie met two men at the Ring Road; — Oyi; and Emwosa. Oyi; – a smooth-tongued trader; was known for cheating customers. Oyi appeared successful, with flashy clothes and boastful words.
“Osagie,” Oyi said with a cunning smile, “forget what Osifo told you. Truth will not make you rich. Lies will. With lies, you can manipulate people, gain quick money, and rise faster than those who waste time being honest. The world belongs to those who are smart enough to deceive others.”
Osagie was shocked but curious. “But Oyi, is that not dangerous? Can lies truly make a man rich?”
Emwosa; – the wise and upright one; laughed. “Yes, but it makes you rich in different things. A liar is rich in fear, selfishness, sorrows, and troubles. He may gain riches of the world, but he will also inherit restlessness and destruction. Look around — many are rich in wickedness, pride, anger, cursing, and foolishness. Their riches come from the father of lies, Satan himself. Do you not remember how Satan tempted Jesus, saying, ‘Bow before me and I will make you rich?’
Osagie trembled. “But that is false wealth, isn’t it?”
“Yes,” Emwosa replied; with concern for the truth; “Those who love the world and its lies are rich in nothingness. Their joy is temporary, and their wealth is uncertain. As the Scripture says, ‘Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God.’”
That night Osagie could not sleep. He had heard two voices — one proclaiming the power of truth, and another declaring the power of lies. He began to realise that the two powers indeed made men rich, but in very different ways.
Reflection Questions – Chapter Two
1. Who was Oyi, and what did he represent in the story?
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2. What kinds of “riches” do liars possess according to Emwosa?
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3. How did Satan try to deceive Jesus in the wilderness?
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4. What warning does 1st. Timothy 6 verse 17 give about worldly riches?
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5. Why was Osagie troubled after hearing Oyi; and Emwosa’s words?
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Book Two
Chapter Three
Choosing the Right Riches
The following morning, Osagie went back to the shady tree where Osifo was waiting. His face was full of worry.
“Osifo,” he confessed, “yesterday I met Oyi. He said lies can make a man rich. Now I am confused. Two powers are pulling at me; — the power of truth and the power of lies. Which should I choose?”
Osifo looked at him kindly. “Brother, every man must choose his own riches. Truth makes a man rich in eternal values; — love, mercy, peace, joy, and godliness. Lies may give temporary wealth, but they also make one rich in fears, sorrows, pride, and destruction. The choice is between freedom and bondage, between light and darkness.” Romans 6 verse 23; says; the wages; or the riches of sin is] death; but the gift; or riches of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
He continued, “Remember, Satan is rich in destruction, but God is rich in mercy. Satan’s wealth ends in death, but God’s riches give everlasting life. Osagie, the wealth of truth is eternal. Choose wisely.” John 10 verse 10; says; the thief comes to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: Jesus Christ our Lord; has come that the believer might have life and that they might have life; more abundantly.
Tears filled Osagie’s eyes. “Now I understand. To be truly rich is to be rich in godly values, not in worldly deceit. I will choose the power of truth. I will seek peace, kindness, and love. That is the wealth I desire.”
Osifo smiled, placed a hand on his friend’s shoulder, and said,
“You have chosen well. This choice will make you truly rich; — not just for this life, but for eternity.”

Reflection Questions – Chapter Three
1. What decision did Osagie have to make?
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2. According to Osifo, what is the difference between riches from truth and riches from lies?
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3. Why are riches from lies called temporary?
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4. How can truth give a person eternal riches?
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5. What choice did Osagie finally make?
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Conclusion
Two powers indeed make a man rich: the Power of Truth and the Power of the Lie. But while lies give temporary riches filled with sorrow, truth gives eternal wealth filled with peace, joy, love, and freedom. True riches come from God, the giver of all things, and those who walk in His truth will enjoy the blessings of life everlasting.

 
Glossary
1. Truth – The quality of being honest and aligned with God’s word.
2. Lie – Falsehood or deception, often leading to temporary gain but long-term destruction.
3. Riches – Abundance of values, whether material or spiritual.
4. Freedom – Release from fear, guilt, and bondage, brought by knowing the truth.
5. Deception – The act of misleading or tricking others.
6. Compassion – Deep concern for the suffering of others.
7. Bondage – A state of being enslaved by sin, lies, or fear.
8. Eternal – Lasting forever, without end.
9. Virtues – Godly qualities such as kindness, love, mercy, and honesty.
10. Worldly Riches – Material possessions and wealth without Godly values.