Part 1 – DILIGENCE.
The Bible says: “Do you see a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean (lowly) men.” Proverbs 22:29
The word “diligent” in Hebrew means to be “quick, or skilful, or ready.” In other words, when a customer comes in, a good business is quick to respond to them, and ready with the items they want, or skilful in conveying information. Customers like this kind of service. They like to be attended to immediately, or to receive the best attention, and the best information as soon as they request it.
Of course such service is not always possible. There may be insufficient staff, or staff may be occupied, so how can a business overcome these problems. Think of ways to distract, or entertain, or divert your customers while they are waiting. For example, some shops have a TV for people to watch while they wait.
The verse we started with also tells us that if a business is diligent, it will grow, and the idea is intimated that with the growth will come wealth, since the owner of that business will stand with kings. It is probably a common aim of all business owners to obtain wealth, so this proverb provides them with a valuable key to reaching that goal.
It would however be foolish to base an entire business on just one piece of advice. This is why further articles will follow.
A New Testament verse, written by Paul to the Christians, tells them to: “Not (be) slothful in business; (but instead be) fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.” Romans 12:11
Slothfulness is slowness and indolence, and it includes laziness. This is an aspect of business which drives customers away. Who wants a poor job done? Who wants a tradesman to arrive weeks late, or not at all? Who wants a hot meal served cold? A good way to run a business down is to not care about your customers.
The word “fervent” comes from a Greek word which is related to something boiling. Imagine a business bubbling and boiling with energy. People in general love to be in a bustling, busy shop, where the manager or staff are alive and excited. A booming business can be like a self-fulfilling prophecy – you become what you pretend to be.
How to run a business using Bible principles – Introduction
How to run a business using Bible principles – Part 2
How to run a business using Bible principles – Part 3
How to run a business using Bible principles – Part 4
How to run a business using Bible principles – Part 5
How to run a business using Bible principles – Part 6
How to run a business using Bible principles – Part 7
How to run a business using Bible principles – Part 8
How to run a business using Bible principles – Part 9
How to run a business using Bible principles – Part 10
How to run a business using Bible principles – Part 11
How to run a business using Bible principles – Part 12
How to run a business using Bible principles – Part 13