Revenge, in its purest form, can bring a sense of balance to the soul, especially when an injustice has been done. There is a unique kind of peace that comes from seeing those who have caused pain be forced to face the consequences of their actions. Is the best revenge to live well? Sometimes, but even better is divine justice, especially when the harm done has had little effect on you or when the wrongdoer ultimately suffers far more than they inflicted. In the end, revenge is not just about retribution; it is about restoring order to a world that has been wronged.
Divine retribution.
I knew a guy who was less fortunate in life than most, often coming to me for advice and favors. I helped where I could but never invested in his get-rich-quick schemes. His usual pitch was simple: I would fund the business, he would run it while taking a salary, and any leftover profits we would split. I doubted there would ever be profits to share, so I kept my distance financially. Then one day, he came into an inheritance. Overnight, his attitude changed he became arrogant, making comments that suggested he no longer needed me. He tried to give me the impression that he had millions, though in reality, he had only received around $200,000–$300,000. Around the same time, he learned about a business deal I was considering and pushed his way into it. I had already lost interest in the opportunity but didn’t tell him. He ended up sinking his entire inheritance into a failing business that lost money for over a decade before he finally shut it down. Ironically, had he not let arrogance get the best of him, I could have pointed him toward a deal that would have given him a steady salary and tripled his money. Many people around him are aware of bitter just desserts served on him, I’m not even sure if he fully realizes it, since I never told him directly.