Doing Business

Proverbs 27: 23-24

Know well the condition of your flocks, and pay attention to your herds; for riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure to all generations.

So how would this apply to us today? Flocks? Herds? Crown?

The principle here is that we need to know well the business or profession from which we derive our income. Our job. 

Sometimes someone may think that they've made it, that they have what they need now, and they can take off on a permanent vacation. 

But "riches are not forever," whatever finances you have can dry up, the economy can collapse, your money can become worthless. 

And "a crown" can refer to position and authority. Even if someone has the authority of a king, don't trust the rest of your life on it. 

Always pay attention to the responsibilities you have in your financial doings, and don't neglect your business. Sheep and cattle were not paper monies that would fluctuate in buying power, they were food and clothing--our basic needs. 

Proverbs 14: 4

Where no oxen are, the crib is clean; but much increase is by the strength of the ox.

If you don't want to work, you don't have to have any responsibilities; but when you are working industriously, there will be good income and prosperity.

Proverbs 16: 11; 20: 10

A just balance and scales are the Lord's; all the weights in the bag are His work.

Diverse weights and diverse measures, both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord.

Any dishonesty in business will short-circuit whatever prosperity would have come, and the income will come with problems and sorrow.

Ecclesiastes 7: 18; 11: 6

It is good that you should take hold of this, and from that withhold not your hand, for the one who fears God shall come out from both of them.

In the morning sow your seed, and at evening withhold not your hand, for you do not know which will prosper, this or that, or whether both alike will be good.

This is one way wealthy people get that way, with multiple streams of income. This and that, several ways to make an income, will cover any losses and may all bring a profit. Like wisely diversifying your stock portfolio. Or selling several kinds of products. Who knows what will take off and what will fizzle. 

These are a few of the principles of doing business God has given us to cooperate with how He designed the World to work: 

If you want to be successful, you need to know what you have and how to work with it; 

Be willing to work industriously and apply yourself to your work; and 

Always be ethical in your dealings, never dishonest. 

I've found that I will get out of something commensurate with what I am willing to put into it. If I want to be lazy, I can't expect to make any headway; but when I apply myself, I can look to God for His blessings in it. 

O my Father, please teach me how to do whatever endeavor You lead me to do: show me my possessions, my abilities, my talents, my resources. Help me to know what I have and how to work with it all. 

You have been so generous with me, Father; please show me how to consistently use everything You have given me to show others your Love by helping them in practical ways, and thereby benefit and grow Your Kingdom.

Even so, come, Lord Jesus!