September 28, 2026

Business by the Book

Proverbs 13:18 Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction:…

A good jeweler will examine every side, angle, and cut mark of a precious stone. Likewise, in order to learn from the Bible how to be successful in business, the opposite side of success must also be looked at. Poverty and shame is the opposite side of success. No one has poverty and shame as a life goal, therefore the reason for these two unwanted possessions needs to be understood. God’s Word says that poverty and shame will come upon those who refuse instruction.

How many people in your business have failed because they would not listen and learn from instruction? In ninth grade I tried out for our high school baseball team. I thought I was a good player, but I was cut after the first practice. Looking back on it I realize now that I was cut, in part, due to the fact that I did not listen to the coach’s instruction. He tried to tell me the difference between high school baseball and little league in relation to the depth of the outfielder’s position. However, during practice I continued to play shallow and three balls were hit over my head. Had I listened to the instruction of the coach I would have been in a proper position to easily make those plays.

Regarding baseball I was put in poverty and put to shame all because I did not listen to the coach. No doubt I had the basic skills to make the team but in the coach’s mind I was not coachable.

Throughout life I have crossed paths with many who simply would not listen and learn from instruction. Sadly I have watched them come to poverty and or shame concerning much more important life issues than 9^th grade baseball tryouts.

Dr. William Howe