Proverbs Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Proverbs Paper - Essay Example Since money is a measure of wealth according to Barnes (2007) and Whybray (1990), one needs to work hard to get wealthy. Otherwise, according to Proverbs 18:13 (New International Version), the lazy people who love sleep grow poor. Those that shun from sleep and work hard get more to even save. With the growth in one’s wealth so does such a person’s power also increase. This explains why â€Å"the rich rule over the poor† and the borrower becomes the lender’s slave (Proverbs 22:7). Nonetheless, with this money comes responsibility. First, the need for wisdom, to make appropriate investment decisions, has been informed by Proverbs 18:21 which note that the inheritance claimed sooner than it should does not attract blessings. In the same way, withdrawing from investments before maturity denies the investor desirable returns. Secondly, with money comes the need to share with the society because even if firms avoid corporate social responsibility, Proverbs 28:8 insinuates that the shareholders for whom profits are sought would give back to the society. How to Conduct Oneself in Business and Trade Business and trade conduct requires an exhibition of competence coupled with respect for authorities, integrity and honesty for the prosperity of business plans. Proverbs 19:8; 21:5 and 22:29 allude to the fact that prosperity in business requires businesspeople to be diligent and equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge. In fact, these verses acknowledge that such persons interact with the prosperous people in the society and not the low-ranking persons. According to Friedman and Birnbaum (2013), these successful business people should respect authorities just as Proverbs 22:4 requires one to humble before the Lord so as to get riches, honor and life. Respect would see the business prosper and achieve sustainable competitive advantage over its rivals. Even so, such riches should be acquired honestly as this assures of sustainability of t he resultant gains, and moreover, the Lord detests dishonesty (Proverbs 10:9; 10:26). It therefore means that one should earn the fruits of hard work. Business has no place for sluggards as they bring no gains. Proverbs 12:27 observes that such persons have nothing to roast while those that work hard have plenty to roast. The Offering and Acceptance of Bribes The reason why bribery is given in secrecy is because it is unethical with the perpetrators being foolish to know that they do not have to bribe to get their desired outcomes. In fact, Proverbs 17:23 indicates that bribery is for the wicked who seek to pervert justice. They are fools to think that the only way to succeed is by giving bribes. Seconded by Barnes (2007), Proverbs 17:16 appreciates the lack of understanding among such people who think that they could buy wisdom. In the business world, the practice could be common, but Proverbs 14:12 warns that even though this could appear to be right, it could lead to failure. Thi s failure does not discriminate as even well established businesses fall down because of bribery. Even those that think of themselves as being successful through such acts do not manage to sustain their success. View of Work Work should be considered as a source of prosperity in life and should therefore be done with commitment and unity. Those that work, and specifically work hard, realize positive gains. On the contrary, those that forfeit working end up in poverty (Proverbs 14:23). Lifestyle points out to one’