May 19, 2026

Business by the Book

Psalm 1:1 …nor standeth in the way of sinners…

The second of the Five Principles of Prosperity as found in Psalm 1:1-2 is: Be careful of your associations. To fully understand this principle several words need to be understood in the context of this verse.

“Standeth” as used here indicates a permanent position. The act of taking a stand, remaining, abiding, being steadfast, continuing, or even holding ones ground.  The word “way” speaks of a way, a road, a journey, path, direction, manner, habit, or even moral character. The word “sinners” means a person who is involved habitually in sinful actions and activities. They are known offenders of that which is right, moral, ethical, good, decent or honest. 

Therefore the phrase “…nor standeth in the way of sinners…” is a warning about taking a stand with people who show open disregard for right. It is a warning to be careful of one’s close associations.

As a sports enthusiast I enjoy hearing about the lives of ball players after they leave the field of play.  It makes them real.  It’s always interesting to learn of their accomplishments after the spotlight is turned off.  Sadly, many times these stories end badly.  Some of my boyhood heroes of the gridiron or of the baseball diamond wound up poor, impoverished, and broken. Usually the story goes that they had an advisor or manager whom they blindly trusted that squandered, mismanaged, or downright stole their money.  Their problem?  They were not careful of their close associations. 

How many stories have there been of well-meaning individuals who trusted the wrong person only to find their life savings eliminated.  They entered into an association with the wrong person.  Someone that I know told me years ago, “Making money is not the difficult thing, keeping the money you make is what’s difficult.” One of the reasons for this is that there are so many charlatans, con artists, thieves and liars that attempt to prey on those with finances. 

Be careful about standing with those who have no compulsion against wrongdoing. Ultimately they will do you wrong too. I once heard that a liar will tell a hundred truths for the opportunity to commit one lie. Just saying… be careful of your associations.

Dr. William Howe