The Steipler Gaon recounted the story of an individual whose general dedication to Torah observance had waned slightly after he had left the Yeshiva. However, there was one area of his observance that remained as strong as ever. He had become a businessman and remained exceptionally honest in all of his business dealings.
When asked why he remained rigorously observant in matters of honesty he replied, “Years ago, while in Yeshiva, I had a Rebbe that would sternly warn his students, ‘Please make sure that you learn diligently and not waste time! Your parents are paying me to teach and study with you. If you do not learn diligently, I can be considered a thief for getting paid and not doing my job. I do not wish to be a thief and take money that does not belong to me.’ My Rebbe’s example of honesty stands before me in every business deal that I do and is something that I aspire to.”
