Wisdom Regarding Work & Business Matters

&For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at

work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to

earn their own living.II Thessalonians 3:11-12

INTRODUCTION

The responsibilities of being a Christian are many, one of which isproviding a proper example. We are to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth. This requires outstanding and honorable conduct on our part. This is especially true as we go about the business of making a living. Proverbs has much wisdom to offer regarding everyday work and business!

I. KEEP WORK IN ITS PROPER PLACE – II Thessalonians 3:6-12

A. Work to Provide for Yourself and Your Family – II Thessalonians 3:6

1. If we aren't willing to work, the church is under no obligation to help us – II Thessalonians 3:10 2. If we don't provide for our families, we are worse than unbelievers - I Timothy 5:8

B. Work to Live, Not Live to Work – Matthew 6:19 1. Righteousness, not riches, is what is truly profitable –

Proverbs 11:4 a. Seek to be righteous, not rich - Proverbs 11:28 2. It is better to have a little with righteousness, than to be rich and wicked - Proverbs 16:8

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Misplaced priorities can be very harmful to our well-being!

For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced

themselves with many griefs.

I Timothy 6:10

Remember,For the Love of Money – O’Jays

We work to acquire money…How much is enough?

II. INVOLVE GOD IN OUR BUSINESS AFFAIRS

A. Our efforts are more likely to succeed - Proverbs 16:3 1. The Lord blessed Joseph - Genesis 39:2-5 2. We will enjoy what we receive – Proverbs 10:22;

compare Ecclesiastes 5:18-6:2a. Contrast Psalm 106:15; Numbers 11:4; 31-34;

1.) Ten Homers = 60 bushels;1900 birds weighing 475 pounds

2.) One homer = a little less than one Barrel of oil.

B. Build Your Business Before You Build Your House – Proverbs 24:27

C. Build Your Business with Integrity – Proverbs 11:1; 16:11; 20:10,23

D. Build Your Business Knowing the Uncertainty 1. We never know what might happen tomorrow –

Proverbs 27:1; James 4:13-16 2. Wealth is a fleeting commodity - Proverbs 23:4-5; 27:23-27

Many people come to learn these truths only after a lifetime, when theyrealize they wasted their years on things not truly important. However,

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if the young take heed to the wisdom of Proverbs they can benefit from this advice now

III. BE A SUCCESSFUL LABORER

A. Don’t… 1. Be lazy, for it will irritate your boss! - Proverbs 10:26 2. A slacker will ruin a business - Proverbs 18:9

B. Do...1. Develop skill in your work (it will not go unnoticed) –

Proverbs 22:29 2. Be diligent in your work to ensure your promotion –

Proverbs 12:243. Impress people with the quality of your work, not the

quantity of your words - Proverbs 14:23

With the current unemployment rate at 11.1% and the current competitive job market, among the best skill set one can have are "diligence", “excellence” and "honesty".

IV. BE A SUCCESSFUL MANAGER

A. Be A Wise Manager 1. Be diligent in your planning, and not too hasty in getting things done - Proverbs 21:5 2. Utilize counsel from others - Proverbs 15:22 3. Stay on top of your job! - Proverbs 27:23-27

B. Be A Good Leader 1. Don't be oppressive - Proverbs 28:16 compare Colossians

4:1 2. Provide good treatment, and you will gain loyalty and love - Proverbs 29:21

3. Help the employee see how his work benefits himself as well as the company, so he will be diligent in his efforts - Proverbs 16:26a. Hunger is a strong incentive to work—the needs of

the body spur the laborer to diligence and assiduity; he eats bread in the sweat of his brow.1

CONCLUSION

If one would keep the need to work in proper perspective and apply the principles found in Proverbs and other Scriptures, God in His providence will

1 H. D. M. Spence-Jones, ed., Proverbs, The Pulpit Commentary (London; New York: Funk & Wagnalls Company, 1909), 314.3 minister vanessa ligon

not only provide you with the necessities of life, but more often than not provide a degree of material abundance!

The important thing is to keep our priorities in order… Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness! Matthew 6:33

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