The Bible gives us two powerful and contrasting stories that reveal an important truth about life, value, and success.
In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon told the story of a city that was saved by a poor but wise man. His wisdom delivered the city from destruction yet after the victory, nobody remembered him. His contribution was real, his impact was massive, but he was forgotten.
On the other hand, we saw David on the battlefield. Before confronting Goliath, David asked a critical question: “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine?” He wanted clarity on the reward. When he defeated Goliath, the nation celebrated him. Songs were written about him. His name became history.
Two men. Two victories. Two outcomes.
The difference was not talent or courage.
The difference was value positioning and reward structure.
This teaches us a hard but necessary lesson for 2026: Talent alone does not guarantee honor, reward, or sustainability.
Skill without structure leads to exploitation. Wisdom without systems leads to neglect.
We live in a world where people will gladly use your talent, benefit from your effort, and move on, especially if you place no value on what you carry.
If you do not define the terms of engagement, others will define it for you. And most times, it will not favor you.
This is why you must build a system around your skill.
A system protects your talent.
A system gives your value structure.
A system ensures you are not forgotten after delivery.
Part of that system is branding. If people don’t understand what you do, how you do it, and why it matters, they will not respect it. Branding is not pride, it is clarity. It tells the world what you stand for and what your value costs.
Another part of the system is negotiation. David did not fight blindly. He asked questions. He understood the reward before the risk. Negotiation is not greed; it is wisdom. It ensures that your effort produces provision, not just applause.
If you must help people for free, ensure there is intentional value in return—exposure, referrals, mentorship, or strategic positioning.
Free should never mean worthless.
The moment you place value on your talent, people become careful with how they treat you. But when you make yourself cheap, you invite disrespect.
Let me add one more powerful principle for making money with your talent:
Monetization Mindset
You must learn how to turn what you know into a product, service, or system. Knowledge that is not packaged will not pay. Skill that is not monetized will frustrate you. Every talent needs a clear path to income, whether through services, products, consulting, training, or partnerships.
If you don’t do this, hunger will humble you.
Passion without structure leads to poverty.
In 2026, remember this:
Don’t just be gifted—be strategic.
Don’t just be skilled—be structured.
Don’t just be helpful—be valued.
Build a system around your skill.
Build a brand around your talent.
Learn negotiation.
Place value on what you carry.
Because nobody should use your gift and forget you again.
Kehinde Olagbenjo
