November 10, 2026

Business by the Book

Proverbs 21:5  The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.

“What were you thinking?”  We have all said this or had it said to us at one time or another. Usually it follows something that has been done that should not have been done. If honesty prevailed most who are asked this question would say, “Nothing!” 

Thoughts and thinking are in short supply. Many strong backed people can dig a ditch, but to plan the ditch, decide how deep it should be, set the width of the ditch, and be right about those calculations takes thought, a lot of thought. That’s just a ditch, to design an airplane, lay out a complex electrical circuit, develop a piece of property into an area that would benefit a community, build a house, teach a class, train soldiers, all of these and so many other tasks take enormous thought.

By vocation I preach for a living. On average I speak four to five times a week. Every day I must develop a message. A new one! The Lord may give me the theme of the message, but that theme must be studied, supported, structured, and then delivered. This is a wonderful way to make a living, but the thought that accompanies it is nonstop. My wife is an accountant by trade, but her real passion is music. She is a tremendous church pianist. If I could preach like she plays the piano our church would be something else.

A few years ago we were sitting at the dinner table with our children discussing our day. Terri, my wife, said, “I always have music playing in my head, I may be cooking or working or cleaning, but there is always music in my mind. I think about how to play it on the piano, what chords would be used, the tempo, and the dynamics of the song. This helps me when I play for church.”  I said, “I’ve always got messages going on in my head, what should be said, what should not be said, what Scriptures to use, and how to approach the subject. Whether I am driving, watching television, or working in my shop, I am always preaching.” 

Our kids looked at us and said, “You are both crazy!”  That may be, but the Bible says, The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness. I may not be as naturally talented and highly skilled as other preachers, but I can think. And God’s Word tells me that my thoughts will lead to plenteous. Isn’t that what we work for, to have plenty? Put some time in thinking about your job, your responsibility, and your opportunities. You may just end up finding plenty.

Until tomorrow, carry on your Business by the Book today, 

Dr. William Howe