Business by the Book Proverbs 12:16 A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame. A very promising career as a sales professional was lost because a man’s wrath was “presently known” and he was found to be a fool. He was speaking to a customer on the phone. This was before cell phones or car phones; this was a land line, an old fashioned house phone. Anyway, during the conversation the new sales representative became very annoyed. The customer, who hap

Business by the Book Proverbs 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise. Our world is very complex. No one is an expert at everything. There is no way for people in business to learn, know, and keep up with everything they need. Technology is changing so fast that it is a challenge for those who make a living with it to keep up with all the technological changes. The above verse was written over two thousand years ago, and

Business by the Book Proverbs 12:14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man’s hands shall be rendered unto him. “I’m not satisfied” is equal to “I’m not happy.” Far too often the responsibility for these two conditions, being satisfied or being happy, are misplaced. The responsibility to be happy or satisfied does not rest with things, money, situation, or others, it rests with each individual. Satisfied employees are produ

Business by the Book Proverbs 11:27 He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him. Each person in business is seeking something. Boiled down to the nth degree there are two basic things people seek, things that are good, and things that are mischievous. The way to know the difference is first and foremost the teachings found in the Word of God. Those who seek good will find good and will ultimately procure favor. Those

Business by the Book Proverbs 11:26 He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it. Selling a product that people need is the foundation of commerce. It is a noble enterprise to offer a product or service for sale and for profit. No doubt, throughout the history of the human race there have been products that could have benefited mankind greatly but have been withheld from them. Withholding foodstuffs, health

Business by the Book Proverbs 11:25 The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. Two kids decided to pull a practical joke on one of their dads. While he was asleep on the sofa they quietly smeared Limburger cheese on his mustache. When the man awoke he said to himself, “This sofa stinks.” Upon getting up off the sofa he said, “This shirt I have on stinks” so he took the shirt off. Then, “Something in this house stinks.” So he

Business by the Book Proverbs 11:24 There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. Yesterday’s verse dealt with retaining riches. Today’s verse is the opposite, it deals with scattering riches. God’s Word is clear that money, or riches, are to be used. Sometimes it should be retained, sometimes it should be scattered. The lesson of lessons concerning money is when to do each. To me, the way to scatter

Business by the Book Proverbs 11:16 …. strong men retain riches. “It’s easier to make money than it is to keep it!” That is what a rich man told me when I was in my early twenty’s. Now, so many years later I know that he was right. If anyone thinks making money is hard, try to retain it. Everyone wants the money that rich people have. Con artists, friends, family, investors, those on Wall Street and Madison Avenue want to obtain the riches others have earned. God’s Word say