Which of the following is an example of valid consideration?

Consideration is a fundamental element of a valid contract, representing something of value that each party agrees to give or perform for the other. For a consideration to be valid, it must involve a tangible exchange or an action that has legal value and is acknowledged as sufficient to support a contractual agreement.

In this context, payment made for services rendered exemplifies valid consideration because it involves an exchange: one party provides a service while the other provides payment. This mutual exchange demonstrates intent and creates a binding obligation between the parties, thus fulfilling the requirement for valid consideration in a contract.

The other choices do not meet the criteria for valid consideration. An empty promise to give a gift in the future lacks an exchange, as no value is being provided at the time of the agreement. A verbal agreement without any action does not constitute valid consideration since there is no performance or commitment that can be legally enforced. Similarly, good intentions, while often an important aspect of a relationship, do not hold legal value and do not establish a binding contract on their own. Only the payment for services provides the tangible essence required for consideration in a contract.