March 13, 2026

Business by the Book

Matthew 21:28-30 But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went. And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.

It’s not what a person says that counts; it’s what a person does that counts. These two brothers both said one thing but did another. One said he would not go work in his father’s field, but he did. The second said he would go work in the father’s field, but he didn’t. Success does not come to those who only speak about that which they will do, it comes to those who do that which needs to be done to earn success.

A person says, “I’ll go to college,” but something comes up and that person does not go to college. By doing so this individual forfeits any and all success that would be theirs if they completed a college degree. They may find achievement in other endeavors, but doors of opportunities that a college education offers will evade them all because they did not do that which they said they would do. Another states, “I am going to be a doctor,” but if this person fails to develop the study habits that the rigors of medical school demands, they cannot maintain the grades needed to become a physician. They said a good thing, but did not do what was needed to accomplish that which they said they would do.

“I will not go to college,” but perhaps years later this person realizes the need for further education in order to advance in their chosen profession. They enroll, do the work, and graduate from a university with enhanced prospects for success. They said one thing, but did another.

The best thing for life long success is to develop a habit for doing that which you speak. The next best thing is to be willing to realize you made a mistake and alter your decision. It’s never too late to do the right thing. The worst thing to do is to talk big but never do that which you say you will. The Lord Jesus used the earthly illustration above to teach a spiritual truth, but the spiritual point that He makes does not take away from the practicality of the illustration. He is using a real life situation to which his listeners could relate. Probably everyone knows people who are “big talk, little do.”

If in the past you have spoken wrongly, don’t let that stop you from doing what is right today. If needed, change your mind and do that which you know you should. After all, actions always speak louder than words; what a person does is infinitely more important than what they say. Successful people are doers, not talkers. If and when they do speak and realize later they were wrong, they correct it. Greatness is not found in oratory; greatness is found in industry.

Dr. William Howe