September 7, 2026

Business by the Book

Proverbs 11:27 He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.

Each person in business is seeking something. Boiled down to the nth degree there are two basic things people seek, things that are good, and things that are mischievous. The way to know the difference is first and foremost the teachings found in the Word of God.

Those who seek good will find good and will ultimately procure favor. Those who seek mischief will find that too. What a person seeks they will find, good or bad. As a manager this is a powerful truth to understand. One way to discern what a person is seeking is to consider the people they surround themselves with.

From the 1500’s there has been a popular quote that is so true: “Birds of a feather flock together.”   Those familiar with birds know that many types of birds form themselves in groups based upon their characteristics. A flock of geese is made up of geese. A covey of quail is made up of quail. A brace of ducks is made up of ducks. A cast of hawks is made up of hawks. Peacocks, a muster; swallows, a flight; owls a parliament! These birds come together for protection, acceptance, reproduction and survival.

Likewise, individuals group together. It has been said, “If you want to know what a person is all about, study their friends.”  A new employee may not seem as one who would seek mischief because to be hired they are on their best behavior, say all the right things, do all the right things, and watch their steps carefully. But once on the job, notice the people to whom they gravitate. This will tell much about their character. After a while they will be drawn to those that they are like. Those who seek good welcome their own, and those who seek mischief welcome their own.

Fortunately, unlike birds, mankind has the ability to change the group with which they associate. Which is another devotion for another day.

Dr. William Howe