February 5, 2026

Business by the Book

Genesis 37:5  And Joseph dreamed a dream…

The story of Joseph has intrigued generations of Bible readers. It is an exciting story that is filled with treachery, adventure, heartache, and success. Throughout the narrative of Joseph’s life there are some business applications that are as interesting as they are poignant.

Joseph’s family life was not the best. His father loved him more than any of his other children which in turn caused his brothers to hate him. Jacob, Joseph’s father, had children by four different women for a total of twelve sons. The jealousy, bitterness, hostilities, sullenness, resentment, and continual conflicts must have made “family time” quite a challenge. In this difficult environment Joseph dreamed a dream. This dream never left Joseph. No doubt that years later, in Genesis 43:26, when his brothers bowed down to him Joseph thought about the dream from his young life.

Dreams are powerful allies in the game of life. They can motivate when nothing else can. They can move to action unlike any other power. They can become a never ending spring of inspiration. And unfortunately they can be crushed. Dreams do not offer answers, just potential. They give no guidelines, just a finish line. They make no judgments, but are the winners’ reward. And they are not self-fulfilling but can fulfill oneself when finally realized. Dreams!

Walt Disney said, “All our dreams can come true – if we have the courage to fulfill them.”  Erma Bombeck said, “It takes a lot of courage to show your dreams to someone else.”  This is the thing about dreams; they are individual. Your dream is yours alone, it does not belong to anyone else. Therefore others will not embrace, understand, and be inspired by your dream. Joseph shared his dream with his brothers and it only served as fuel for their hatred of him.

What is your dream? There were times when it probably seemed to Joseph that his dreams would never come to pass, but they did. That is the wonderful characteristic about a dream, there is no scorecard for the journey to your dream’s end. The reward is solely determined by the fulfillment of the dream.

Dare to dream. Then take the advice of King David to his son Solomon …Be strong and do it. (I Chronicles 28:10).

Dr. William Howe