“And this is what he says to all humanity: ‘The fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding.'”

“That would not be wise” seems like an easier statement to make than, “That would be wise”. We are braver to call something “not wise” as it takes experience and confidence to make the counter argument. In the business world we can watch these statements align with level and job title. At the top we hear more, “That would be wise” than we do further down the organization chart. In fact, I would go as far to say that the word “wise” probably doesn’t show up in our vocabulary until well into our careers and until we are in positions of leadership and have been around the block a few times. The same can be said for businesses and how they relate to other companies within our industry or in a broader arena. I am reading Ron Suskind’s book, “Confidence Men”, and no where better can it be seen than when the financial “masters” gathered together during the financial crisis that there were those who could use the word “wise” and others couldn’t. It’s a fascinating dynamic in business to watch. Those who confidently and credibly can use the word “wise” early in their careers are few and far between and likely, if they are humble and true to a strong set of values and principles that they will not compromise, will end up in a/the big job someday.

God cuts through it all for us and tells us His own secret by telling us what is true understanding and wisdom. I love that He bluntly tells us that true wisdom is the fear of Him and to forsake evil is real understanding. At the most foundational level it is here that we can build the platform of our lives. When we seem to be floundering or swaying, let’s return to our core and strengthen ourselves here first; with true wisdom and real understanding. From the core out comes all else. For us to be the strongest that we can be in the workplace with our work being truly purposed, the core must be strong. What better day than today to start strengthening.

Reference: Job 28:28 (New Living Testament)