Proverbs 14:14
14 The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.
15 The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.
16 A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.
17 He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.
18 The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
19 The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
20 The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.
21 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.
22 Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.
23 In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.
24 The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly.
25 A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.
(Scripture taken from the King James Version, 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States. To read this passage from The Message, go to www.biblegateway.com and do a passage lookup.)
Somewhere along the line, you will probably encounter someone who will try to convince you that he/she has a great “opportunity” for you to make a lot of money with very little effort. This person will tell you about someone they know, or a person who is a “friend of a friend” who has made a lot of money in a short time with this business venture, or as I heard once, “has made more in one month with this business than they did in a year with So-and-so business”!
I am not going to tell you that this can never happen. If you get involved and make a boat load of money, good for you! And if you are involved in one of these ventures, I am not trying to hurt your feelings or be critical of you. But I have seen so many people hang all of their hopes on one of these ventures and sink a lot of time and energy – and often hard-earned money – into it, only to be disappointed. And these types of businesses have ruined more than one relationship and/or friendship. Most folks would have been far better off to get a conventional job of some sort… or even two jobs. At least the work would be steady and the pay would be assured. It might not make them rich, but it would probably pay the bills if they were wise and managed carefully.
The bottom line is this. God wants us to spend our time and energy on things that glorify Him. He wants us to love our neighbor, be kind to ALL people, and to be honest and fair. He wants us to work to provide for ourselves and our families. He wants us to be happy, but scheming about how to cut corners and get by on the backs of others is a disappointment to Him. So, whatever business ventures you choose, be sure that you are always involved in things that are honest and aboveboard. Be sure that whatever you do is totally reputable and something you would not be ashamed to discuss with your family, your friends… and God. Don’t waste time talking and plotting about get-rich-quick schemes. Get busy and get to work. Remember… talk is often just that… and very cheap and easy… but in all labor there is profit!
©2007 Debbie Robus
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