April 27, 2026

Business by the Book

Ecclesiastes 3:17 …for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.

A man named Orville Dewey said, “Labor is man’s greatest function.  He is nothing, he can do nothing, he can achieve nothing, he can fulfill nothing, without working.”  I don’t know if I agree that “Labor is man’s greatest function”, I tend to think that man’s greatest function is forming a mutually pleasing relationship with the Lord God, but I do agree heartily with the balance of Reverend Dewey’s quote.  Only through work can mankind accomplish anything. 

Many today can be characterized by the following anonymous quote: “Today men tend to play at their work and work at their play.”  A strong work ethic is becoming as rare as an adult who doesn’t use a cell phone.  While the lack of a good work ethic may be a bad harbinger for our society in general, it is good news for those who cultivate and maintain a strong work ethic.  The fewer that are willing to work will be in greater demand, meaning that the wage they can command will be higher because the willingness to work will be in short supply.

You may hold a position in which there are many others employed. You may not be able to outwit them, or out know them, or out learn them, or out personality them, or out smart them, or out talent them, but you can out work them.  Someone once said, “Too many people quit looking for work when they find a job.”   Work, then work some more, then work some more, then work some more.  Repeat this every day and you will never want for the good things of life.

Dr. William Howe