Life is beautiful, but it can also be very rough. Being born into a wealthy family does not guarantee success in life, just as being born into a poor family does not deprive anyone of greatness. Many people born into wealth still fail in life, while many born into hardship rise to the top. However, it must be said that being born with a silver spoon and also being disciplined, focused, and serious may make life easier than starting from nothing. Still, whether one is born rich or poor, the passion, drive, and commitment to become somebody depend entirely on the individual.
The Bible reminds us in Proverbs 22:2, “The rich and the poor meet together; the Lord is the maker of them all.” This truth makes it clear that background is not destiny.
Unfortunately, one of the major problems facing Nigeria today is the deeply rooted spirit of entitlement, especially among the youth and even some adults. Many average Nigerians now believe that people must do things for them, must cater for them, and that it is their right to take from others. Some even believe that life owes them comfort without effort. This mentality has pushed some to use their bodies as materials to secure an easy route to success, stardom, or riches. While this may appear to work for less than one percent of people, the price of entitlement is always slavery, misery, and loss of dignity.
The Bible clearly warns us in Proverbs 13:11, “Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished, but he that gathers by labor shall increase.” Shortcuts may look attractive, but they come with long-term consequences.
Why can we not erase this entitlement mentality? Why can we not work, think, plan, and pursue greatness by ourselves? Why can we not build value, develop skills, and earn our place in society? Why can we not aspire to be givers rather than permanent receivers? The Bible teaches in Acts 20:35, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” A life built on constant receiving destroys self-worth and pride.
Among the Yoruba people, wisdom has long answered this issue. The saying “Iṣẹ ni oogun ìṣẹ” teaches us that work is the cure for poverty. Another proverb says “A kì í dúró de ọwọ́ ẹni kó jẹ,” meaning no one should wait for another person’s hand before eating. These proverbs emphasize self-reliance and dignity through effort.
Today in Nigeria, it has become common for youths in their twenties to expect older generations in their fifties and above to be their main source of income while doing little or nothing to improve themselves. When these elders give, it becomes normal and expected. The day they stop, reduce support, or face difficulty themselves, those receiving often become angry, aggressive, and unappreciative, forgetting all the sacrifices and help given in the past.
This behavior reveals deep ingratitude in our society. It shows laziness, greed, lack of appreciation, and poor character. The Bible instructs us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “In everything give thanks.” Gratitude is a mark of good upbringing and maturity.
My advice to Nigerians is clear and direct. Be appreciative of givers. Show respect to those who help you. Never assume you are entitled to the resources, money, or labor of another person. Assistance is a privilege, not a right. Learn to work. Learn to earn. Learn to build something for yourself so you can live a decent and honorable life.
The Yoruba also say “Ẹni tí kò ṣiṣẹ́, kì í jẹ,” meaning he who does not work should not eat. This aligns perfectly with the Bible in 2 Thessalonians 3:10, “If any would not work, neither should he eat.”
Perpetual dependence on others is not success. It is not pride. It is a shameful way to live. It is nothing more than begging covered with entitlement and arrogance. True success comes from effort, discipline, gratitude, and personal responsibility.
Greatness is not demanded.
Greatness is earned.
By Bola Babarinde
