And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.

-Bible (NewTestament)
St Luke16:8.

   Who sees pale Mammon pine amidst his store, Sees but a backward steward for the poor; This year a reservoir, to keep and spare, The next a fountain, spouting through his heir, In lavish streams to quench a country's thirst, And men and dogs shall drink him 'till they burst.

-Pope, Alexander
  Epistles to Several Persons,'To Lord Bathurst', l.173^8.