January 2, 2023

The Bible Edge

Everyone needs an Edge, Believers can have the Bible Edge

Proverbs 22:29

Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.

In the topsy-turvy world of business in 2023 everyone needs an edge. The teachings of the Bible lived out through faith will give every believer in Jesus Christ an edge in their personal and professional business. Today’s verse is one such edge.

According to God’s Word, being diligent in one’s business will bring them before great individuals. Kings are those with authority, loosely used this term indicates that a person has power, perhaps power of the purse, or power to grant contracts, or power to move merchandise in an expeditious manner, or any other needed aspect of the business world. Being diligent will bring one into contact with those who have power to assist the success of your business endeavor.

“Mean men” as mentioned in this verse is the average person, the obscure, the unknown. These would be those that have a position, but no real power or authority. They are not mean in the sense that they are angry or hurtful, they just aren’t the decision makers. In the world of business there are many employed, but few that have the power to authorize change.

God is giving His children an edge in this verse which simply put is “be diligent.” By doing so God in Heaven will work it out that contact will be made with the individuals you need to further your business. Have you heard the old sayings “The busy bee gets the honey” or “The early bird gets the worm”? Just get busy, be diligent, and you will stand before those in authority, obtaining their favor, assistance, approval, or whatever else they may have the power to assist you on to success.

By the way, a bonus, a little nugget to dig out of God’s advice in this verse. The diligent will “stand” before kings. When face to face with the one who has power, the diligent about their business will stand. Not in judgment, or in rebuke, or in a corrective measure. The diligent do not fall before kings, they stand before them. That is God’s promise, His empowerment, His behind-the-scenes hand of providence at work.

So, by faith today, be diligent about your business. On this first Monday of a new year take some time to inventory your attitude, practices, manners, and methods about your work. Are these characterized by “diligence”? If so, you will stand before kings not mean people.

January’s theme for the Bible Edge written devotions is Business Principles Found in God’s Word. Check back tomorrow for number 2 of 22, who knows it may be just the one you need for success in 2023.

William Howe, Ph.D.