Gleanings from Proverbs     0034-01 ZZgln

                                                          - - - Rejoice in the Lord always ... again I say Rejoice !!! - - -

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                              TO: Interested Christians and Ministries                                                                                  FROM: Jim Bramer, Retired CPA-Auditor
                                                                                                                                                                                           FILE: 0034-01/gln

                              RE: Gleanings from Proverbs                                                                                                      Revised:   September 1985                                   

            In 1977 I came across a statement attributed to Evangelist Billy Sunday, named: "I entered into the Business Office of Proverbs".   I was a Business Man at that time and I was encouraged to examine the book of Proverbs and personalize some of the following.  Much of the gleanings below are also applicable to a Ministry's business dealings.  
  •    Wise teachings are needed so we can act (or react) in every circumstance of business.
  •    We are to be just and fair in all business transactions.
  •    The younger Christian business man can greatly benefit from the righteous older Christian business man.
  •    The older Christian business man can always learn; regardless of what is already known. Especially as the younger generation observes us and seeks our counsel plus offer meaningful suggestions.
  •     We continue as "lead"ers by "follow"ing or extending the truth.
  •     It is wise to:   
    • trust in the Lord for direction
    • revere the Lord and put Him first in everything  
    • be continually learning about the Lord
    • listen to the older generation; especially regarding our Parent's good and bad financial experiences
    • be Godly before your co-workers
  •    Young people should choose their business 'heroes' carefully
  •    The young often think they 'know it all'. CAUTION!
  •    Money obtained by deceit is an abomination and will someday return to haunt you.
  •    Watch out for the "Skin of the truth in the body of a Lie" in a business setting; we must be painfully truthful.
  •     Worldly possession are not everything; make your life the Lord's possession.
  •    Your business partners, who share your business nuances and endeavors, including financial gains or losses, are an extension of yourself; choose carefully.
  •    Do not align yourself in business with men in business for the wrong motives; such as to only make money.
  •    Little sins (crimes) lead to more and worse sins (crimes).  Satan and this world lays traps (such as the temptation of greed and avarice). Christian business men must have pure motives for making profits. Our "sensors" must be constantly active to warn us of Satan's traps. We must have pure business motives as would be pleasing to Him.
  •    Ruthlessness with little concern for your fellow workers or competition can turn on you in a vengeance! Remember the Golden Rule as we do unto others as we would have them do unto us.
  •    Integrity/honesty/transparency will always stand up in court as it can be ultimately corroborated.
  •    Being forthright, honest and "up front" are the "things to do" regardless of what the competition may do; otherwise we really are a fool and simpleton. Honesty really is the best policy!
  •    When you find a wise/honest man in business and he invites you to learn from his experience, be sure and "drink from the fount' as unto the Lord.
  •    As to debt, the tenor of what is said in God's Word, I believe, is that debt can be a tool (blessing) to provide appropriate resources (personal or ministry).  But if used imprudently it can be a tyrant (curse).  Use debt righteously!  Carefully obtain the Lord's direction in such matters.
  •    Do not continue to make the same dishonest mistakes; listen to those who would teach you to be wise/honest. Change and listen to the right type of counsel and thereby serve the Lord.
  •    Your competition may gain dishonest profits, but God is not mocked; He will repay according to His pleasure. Be honest in the sight of God and man.
  •    Be sure your sins will find you out --- please remember our precious Lord wants us to be circumspect and really honor Him in every and all business matters.
  •    "J" = Jesus - "O" = Others - "Y" = You  ---- This spells "JOY"ful success in our business endeavors.
  •    The Lord really wants to help us be a success in life and in business; all of us must consult with Him and His Word for counsel on a regular basis.
  •    We may be prosperous in business and be bankrupt of soul.  Someday we "pay the Piper" as the Lord is sovereign. Oh, that the Lord would own our business endeavor  (He really does, you know) and that we would be a Godly manager (steward) of these 'things' and reap the appropriate dividend (profits) of our Soul.
  •    Wake up Christian business man! The Lord wants the best for you! Take care and do not be a fool by turning to the wisdom of this world re:   finance, law, management, time usage, personnel management, marketing, taxes, etc. Be vigilant in recognizing that these helps must come from the Lord who can bless or reject these matters (tools) as He desires. Be a leader in righteousness!
  •    Are you a candidate for a heart attack? The Lord must be on the throne of our personal and business lives; He is the source of security and peace amidst a wicked and perverse society.  Business pressures should be opportunities for us to extend our faith in Him and to rest in Him. If we try and carry the pressure alone, we soon will succumb to insecurity resulting in personal and family unhappiness!
  •    We join you in trusting Him in all of our business endeavors for His glory!

          This publication was updated in September 1985 and was   Updated last on April 28, 2008

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      (1) Online Documents, WRITs or Writings,  may be applicable to all Ministries, or it may be designed for just groups like: Evangelical Church, School, Missionary Organization, Christian Camp / Conference, or other named group.
      (2) WRIT formats include the perspective of   Jim@bcidot.org  via :IOM  (Inter-Office Memos)  to the MFTeam; THRDs, a hypothetical Online conversation with members of the MFTeam; GLEANINGS, or Scripture within context of the MFTeam; FWIW; A periodic editorial (For What it is Worth); TRUISM, or believed Ministry Finance principles; or via FAQ, response to Frequently Asked Questions