DIGGING DEEP NO 1029 – April 2, 2024   Wisdom Regarding Work

The responsibilities of being a Christian are many, one of which is providing a proper example. We are to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth Matthew 5:13-16 This requires outstanding and honorable conduct on our part 1 Peter 2:12 This is especially true as we go about the business of making a living 2Thessalonians 3:11-12

But how can we be sure that we behave properly toward outsiders in our employment and business affairs? Proverbs have much wisdom to offer regarding everyday work and business.

To keep work in its proper place we must remember what should take priority. It is a fact of life that we must work to live and provide for our families. If we aren’t willing to work, the church is under no obligation to help us 2Thessalonians 3:6 If we don’t provide for our families, we are worse than unbelievers 1Timothy 5:8 We must live and work in such a way that our lives must please Christ and be of good example to those around us. But misplaced priorities can be very harmful to our well-being. Righteousness, not riches, is what is truly profitable Proverbs 11:4 On judgement day when we stand accountable to God for all our deeds, no amount of riches will buy reconciliation with Him but our obedience and righteous acts will count. One should therefore seek to be righteous in our business dealings and employment. Proverbs 11:28 It is better to have a little with righteousness, than to be rich and wicked Proverbs 16:8

Involve God in your business affairs and let him guide your footsteps in your work. For then our efforts are more likely to succeed Proverbs 16:3 There are different ways to fail to commit our work to the Lord. Some commit their work and businesses only superficially. They say the project is being done for the Lord but in reality, they are doing it for themselves. Others give God temporary control of their interests only to take control back the moment things stop going the way they expect. Still others commit their tasks fully to the Lord, but put forth no efforts themselves, and then they wonder why they fail. We must maintain a delicate balance, trusting God as if everything depends on him, while working hard at our own end. Have you committed what you are doing right now unto the Lord? We are more likely to be able to enjoy what we receive when it’s committed to God. Proverbs 10:22; Ecclesiastes 5:18-19

Business and employment have major shortcomings. We never know what might happen tomorrow Proverbs 27:1; James 4:13-16. Wealth is a fleeting commodity not worth killing yourself in order to obtain Proverbs 23:4-5 Many people come to learn these truths only after a lifetime, when they realize they wasted their years on things not truly important, but the value of Proverbs is that even the young can know them early and apply them to their lives.

To be a successful worker, there are things we should not do. (1)-We should not be lazy, for it will greatly irritate our employers Proverbs 10:26  (2)-We should not be slothful in our work, for it will ruin your company quickly in the face of competition. How long will your job last if your company can’t compete? Proverbs 18:9

To be a successful worker, we must (1) develop skills in our work and businesses. It will not go unnoticed Proverbs 22:29 (2)  Be diligent in your work to ensure your promotion Proverbs 12:24 (3) Impress people with the quality of your work, not the quantity of your words Proverbs 14:23

In today’s competitive job market, among the best skills one can have are such things as diligence and honesty. The wisdom from Proverbs can help one become a valuable commodity.

Proverbs also provide wisdom on how to be a successful manager. (1) Be a wise Manager. Be diligent in your planning, and not too hasty in getting things done Proverbs 21:5 (2) Nurture and utilize counsel from others Proverbs 15:22 (3) Stay on top of your job Proverbs 27:23-27. Be a good leader. Don’t be oppressive Proverbs 28:16 Be concerned for the rights of your employees Proverbs 29:7 Provide good treatment, and you will gain loyalty and love Proverbs 29:21 Help the employee see how his work benefits himself as well as the company, so he will be diligent in his efforts Proverbs 16:26

CONCLUSION As Managers and employees, test the wisdom found in Proverbs. The important thing to keep in mind, however, is that throughout our business dealings, we must always heed the words of Jesus: “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness!” Matthew 6:33