May 27, 2026

Business by the Book

Psalm 3:1  LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.

There are three things a person has or does that will cause trouble from others. Know more, have more, or do more. Sadly, few people can truly rejoice in the successes of others. If you know more, have more, or do more, those who trouble you will usually increase, and those who rise up against you will be multiplied.

This is why the Lord gives us ample instruction in the New Testament on the proper treatment of our enemies. Later this year we will look at these in more detail, but for a sneak peek consider Matthew 5:44. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Every successful person must learn how to deal with those who trouble them and those who rise up against them. Years ago a thought dawned on me that may help you. I came into a time in my life when it seemed that I had more than my fair share of individuals against me. I knew all the Bible taught about how I should treat them, but I just could not get over the hurt. Then it happened, a thought that helped me then and has helped me immeasurably since then.

I realized that I should be extremely grateful for those in my life who could be considered enemies. I owed them a debt because they served a very important role in my life. Why? Because if I never suffered the wounds of an enemy I would never fully appreciate those who have never caused any hurt. It’s like a sales person. If every tenth prospect makes a purchase, then every one of the nine who say “no” can be thanked for bringing the salesperson closer to the one who will say “yes.” Likewise, for every person who is an enemy or rises up against another, there are probably many who never cause trouble or rise up. These are the ones who should be thanked, treasured, and trusted.

Indeed, without troublemakers it would be difficult to fully appreciate those who never cause trouble.

Dr. William Howe