Wisdom and Business

Introduction• Some try to separate their Christianity from

their day-to-day business– “Business is business,” they may say

• But God demands Christians to always act as Christians– Matt 5:13-16 – salt and light of the world– 1 Pet 2:12 – be an example to unbelievers

• How can we know how God wants us to behave in our business dealings?– Again, Proverbs supplies wisdom for us

• To know what is right and what to avoid

Keeping Business in its Place• Get your priorities straight

– Prov 11:4• Righteousness more important than wealth

– Prov 11:28– Prov 16:8

• Involve God in your business– Prov 16:3

• Gen 39:2-5 – God blessed Joseph’s work– Prov 10:22

• Knowing your business succeeded righteously will let you enjoy the success

• Eccl 5:18-6:2

Keeping Business in its Place• Remember – Life is short

– Prov 27:1• Too many make long-term business plans

• Too few make long-term spiritual plans

– Prov 23:4-5• Wealth is fleeting and elusive

• Don’t tire yourself out trying to get rich

• Many learn these lessons late in life– Decide to quit and spend time with family– But often learned too late– Use Proverbs so you don’t make the mistakes

Succeeding at work• What to AVOID

– Prov 10:26• Laziness only irritates your boss

– Prov 18:9• Slowness will destroy your business

Succeeding at work• What to DO

– Prov 22:29• Develop skill in your work

– Prov 12:24• Be diligent and enthusiastic in your work

– Prov 14:23• Work! Don’t spend your time chatting

Being a successful manager• Prov 21:5

– Make plans, spontaneity is not a secret of success

• Prov 15:22– Encourage and accept counsel

• Prov 27:23-27– Keep up with your business at all times

Being a successful manager• Prov 28:16

– Don’t oppress, don’t cheat or be unfair

• Prov 29:7– Be concerned with employee’s rights and needs

• Prov 29:21– Provide good treatment and you’ll receive

loyalty and love

• Prov 16:26– Make sure the work benefits the employee and

the employee will be more diligent

Conclusion• We must work in this world to have what is

needed for life– But we must keep business in its proper place– If we apply God’s wisdom in our work, we will

succeed and enjoy life

• In our final lesson on Proverbs, we will look at the wisdom it contains for our relationship with God