Today, we consider Proverb 31. It's written by a mother to her son, teaching him how to be a king and what to expect from the woman who will stand by his side. In our era, it has become a tagline many throw about in describing themselves. How many of us have seen someone describe themselves as a "Proverbs 31 woman"?
Well, let's figure out what that really means from a business perspective!
Although the chapter discusses the business practices of a Proverbs 31 woman, the characteristics described are not gender specific. Anyone who adopts them will surely find success as long as they are walking right with the Lord.
Proverbs 31:16 - She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
Proverbs 31:17 - She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
Proverbs 31:18 - She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
Proverbs 31:20 - She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
Proverbs 31:21 - When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
Proverbs 31:24 - She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
Proverbs 31:27 - She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
A Proverbs 31 business person works hard, they aren't lazy (v17, 27). They run several businesses and ensure that they are profitable (v18, 24). Their products/services are top notch and supplied to other businesses/individuals (v24). They reinvest their earnings, not wasting them, and they give to those in need (v16, 20). They are prepared for lean seasons and therefore have no fear of change (v21). And with all that, they do not abandon the need to care for and provide for their home (v27). Therefore, they are not workaholics, whose family life suffers in the midst of their business success.
All of these attributes are crucial in life and particularly in business. And for those of us who aspire to run our businesses in alignment with God's word, there's a crucial description of the Proverbs 31 woman we can't ignore. Proverbs 31:30 - Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
The Proverbs 31 business person fears the Lord Almighty and thus walks in reverence to Him. That reverence must be a key part of their enterprise in order to succeed.
So, what do you think? Proverbs 31 gives us a lot to chew on and share examples of how we've done things right or wrong.
Before we discuss, let's take a moment to invite the Lord into our conversation. Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your word and the wisdom it contains. We thank You for through the Bible, we are able to learn at Your feet and be steered toward living in a way that glorifies You in all we do. Lord, open our understanding and enable us to share Your knowledge and be edified as we move forward in our businesses and careers, IJMN, Amen.
I know it's getting late but if I may ask a quick question @P L U N D E R E R if you don't mind answering. so The London/NYC work culture can be very dog eat eat, which where my previous work attribute stems from. Your career industry is also dominated by cutthroat / shrewd / A type personalities.... some would even say ruthless lol... so I was wondering if you ever struggle in that environment to be more "Jesus minded"?