August 20, 2026

Business by the Book

Proverbs 9:12  If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.

Personal responsibility! Consider two sons. Both are born to the same parents, both have the same advantages in life, both have the same educational opportunities, both have the same upbringing. Both have the same athletic experiences, both are given the same parental philosophy, both have the same environment, finances, and prospects. One grows to be a success in life, the other struggles never “getting a break.”  The difference? Largely the degree of personal responsibility each accepts.

Of course this scenario is an oversimplification of life, but it effectively paints the picture. It is personal responsibility to learn within the confines of the educational opportunities one has, it is personal responsibility to make the most of the prospects one is given, it is the embracing and exercising of one’s personal responsibility that many times makes the difference.

W. T. Purkiser, a preacher from yesteryear said, “One of the great sources of moral and political breakdown in our day is the reluctance of ordinary people to accept personal responsibility.”  Well said, preacher; well said. This one is too good not to pass on. Will Rogers said, “There are two eras of American history – the passing of the buffalo and the passing of the buck.”  Unfortunately the former is over and the latter grows stronger.

Dr. William Howe