(By Teeka Tiwari) The heat was oppressive, the work was hard, but the young man rejoiced.  As he straightened his back, a smile crept across his lips and he stood tall amid the fertile fields of his father.  As firstborn son, his birthright was assured and he basked in the knowledge that one day, all he gazed upon would be his.

What if I told you that this young man traded all the wealth that was due to him for a bowl of stew?

You see, after coming in from the fields he was famished, and his younger brother offered him a pot of hot, delicious stew if he would only trade his firstborn position with him, and the young man said yes.  He traded a life of wealth and comfort for the immediate satisfaction of his burning belly.

How idiotic, right?

It's amazing how fast we can spot the idiocy in others, and yet remain so blind to the same faults in ourselves.  And that's why this story, which is actually the Old Testament parable of Esau, is so important.  It is rich with lessons for the modern day investor and the would-be wealthy person alike, because how many of us are equally as guilty as the young man Esau?

How many of us have traded away all that we might have for the satisfaction of short term longings?

How many of us have traded away our birthright of future wealth, peace of mind and happiness for a new outfit, a new tech gadget, a new car, or an expensive vacation?

Millions of us are trading away our financial freedom every day, bit by bit, for a "bowl of stew".

(Now, before I get any angry or offended comments, this article is not about religion.  Whether you're Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Atheist or anything else, I simply believe that the story of Esau can help you understand the financial lesson I'm trying to teach you today.)


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