November 4, 2026

Business by the Book

Proverbs 20:15 There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.

Knowledge is a commodity. It is something that can be bought or sold. It is likened unto gold and many rubies. Precious jewels not only hold their value, they increase in value. So it is with knowledge. But this verse says knowledge is not enough, …the lips of knowledge…  The knowledge one has must be used to be appreciated.

Many times, after a mistake is made, someone will say, “I knew that would happen.” Why then didn’t you speak up before the mistake was made? Knowledge unshared is of no value. Perhaps the ones making the mistake would not have listened, but after the mistake they would have known that person was right. If only they had spoken up sooner their knowledge would have become a valuable commodity.

The power of knowledge is only unleashed by the use of that knowledge. Sometimes for propriety’s sake, self-preservation, or in order to maintain an edge on the competition withholding knowledge may be effective. But sooner or later, in one fashion or another, knowledge must be put to use through personal work or by sharing it with others in order for it to be valuable.

For instance, one-time years ago after a day of golf with customers we were all eating at an upscale restaurant. We had a table of eight and seemed like we were buying everything on the menu. At one point the owner and head chef of the restaurant came by our table and introduced himself. He was famous from the commercials he aired on radio and TV. This gracious man gave each of us a one ounce silver dollar with the name of the restaurant on it. As we were talking one of the men at our table asked the great chef about his secret seasoning that caused the steaks to be so succulent. The chef ignored the man, even though he asked the question twice. The chef knew not to give away that piece of knowledge for it was that which he used to maintain his edge on the competition. The knowledge the chef had brought him value through the use of it, but he did not openly share it.

As a hobby, I make ball point pens. Some years ago I began using deer antler as a part of the pens I make. Many people have asked me about the technic I use and I share some of it with them. But there is a secret I stumbled onto three years ago that I have never shared with anyone. I always hold that piece of knowledge back. The pens, shaving handles, and letter openers I make out of deer antler are always accepted with a wonderful response. I share that knowledge only through the use of it in making the items. I don’t speak of it with my lips; the secret speaks by giving the trinket a very special look of which the recipient is always amazed.

Find knowledge, mine it like a gold prospector, hold on to it if you can use it, and share it with others if it will benefit them. In doing so you will differentiate yourself and the value of that knowledge will be like a precious jewel in your hand.

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

Dr. William Howe