September 9, 2026

Business by the Book

Proverbs 12:14   A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man’s hands shall be rendered unto him.

“I’m not satisfied” is equal to “I’m not happy.”  Far too often the responsibility for these two conditions, being satisfied or being happy, are misplaced. The responsibility to be happy or satisfied does not rest with things, money, situation, or others, it rests with each individual. Satisfied employees are productive employees. Happy employees are productive employees. Management can move mountains in an effort to keep employees happy or satisfied, but frankly it is the employee’s personal responsibility for their own happiness or satisfaction.

In today’s verse we find a key to being satisfied with good. This elusive desire is obtained by the fruit of one’s mouth. Someone may write a book, as many books are written, declaring “25 Steps to Happiness”, or “10 Things to do to be Happy”. For me, those are 24 and/or 9 things too many. I need one. One thing I can remember. One thing I can perhaps do. One thing is not too many, it is singular, it is solitary, and it is simple. One step to satisfaction is what I need.

Solomon gives it to me. The fruit of my mouth! Psalm 116:10 states: I believed, therefore have I spoken:.. What I speak is what I believe, and what I believe is what I speak. Words take on a life of their own. It is apparent today that mankind in general does not understand the power of the spoken word. If we did, that which we speak would be altered dramatically.

Try it this week. Devote seven days to speaking words that will only yield the type of fruit you desire. This may be difficult at first, but continue on; persevere, work at it, master it, make it a part of your nature. You will find that fruit that will satisfy, fruit that will make you happy will come your way.

Businesses all over the world are hindered by individuals who are not happy, who are not satisfied. The same is true with marriages, homes, churches, ball teams, and every other organization that could be named. The ability to change from unsatisfied to satisfied; unhappy to happy is found in the power of the tongue. A leopard may not be able to change his spots, but a man or woman has the ability to change their level of satisfaction or happiness. Guaranteed!

Dr. William Howe