Proverbs 20:13-19 – Cultivating godly and effective work ethos

Work is a God-given mandate. In Genesis, the Bible makes it clear that after God had created Adam, He instructed him to dress, keep and till the garden and to have dominion over all of His other creations. That was God’s first assignment to man. Work has been part and parcel of meaningful living. Most people would feel useless when they cannot work. If we are to find life meaningful, fruitful and fulfilling, we need to develop qualities that will enhance good work ethics. In Proverbs 20:13-19, we are given several good work ethics to consider so that we can be effective workers that God intends for us to be. All roads that lead to success will have to go through the avenue of hard work. What are some work qualities we need to cultivate?

The first work ethic we need to cultivate is being industrious. Verse 13 advocates that we should not be sleeping when there’s work to be done. The difference between the have and have not’s is their willingness to apply themselves to work. When we are prepared to work we cannot remain poor for long. Hard work always pays.  

The second work ethic we need is confidence. Verse 14 says “‘Bad, bad,’ says the buyer, but when he goes his way, then he boasts.” What does Solomon mean? At a glance, this verse seems to have a negative connotation. The buyer seems to depreciate the value of the goods just to gain a great bargain. When he had obtained what he wants at the bargain price, he then goes away boasting about the goods which he had depreciated. One way to see this verse is as an encouragement to stay confident so that we will not be swayed by the opinions of others. When we are confident of the value of the product we are marketing or the service we are offering, we will not be easily hook-winked by hasslers.

The third work ethic we need to have is knowledge regarding our work. Verse 15 says, “There is gold, and an abundance of jewels; but the lips of knowledge are a more precious thing.” Effectiveness comes with knowledge. That’s why it is preferred to gold or precious gems. A person lacking knowledge may adorn oneself with jewellery of all sorts, yet he is not better than one who has no jewellery but great knowledge.

The fourth work ethic we need to cultivate is smart work. Hard work is needful if we are to succeed at work but equally important if not more is smart work. The sudden discussion about not being a co-signee or a guarantor in verse 16 seems detached from the theme of work ethics. On deeper reflection, this verse advocates that we are smart if we do not stand as surety for another’s loan. But if we need to, be smart. Make sure we take a collateral. This smart move will ensure that we don’t end up incurring personal loss.  

The fifth work ethic advocated in verse 17 is to cultivate honesty. What this verse is saying is that dishonesty had no permanent fulfilment. We may seem to gain through duplicitous deal, but the negative impact is greater when that deceit is discovered. It is better to be honest and build a good name than to practise deceit and gain a bad reputation.

The sixth work ethic to cultivate is being far-sighted. Every risk taken must be calculated carefully. Remember to seek the counsel of the wise and experienced. Invest we must but due consideration and wisdom ought to be sought. It pays to be prudent. Always measure twice but cut once.   

The seventh work ethic to cultivate is to exercise caution and confidentiality. This verse seems to be talking about a gossiper. And that we should not trust one. He or she cannot be entrusted with secret. More aptly, this verse counsels us not to share freely and undiscerningly. To do so is to give away one’s trade secret. No one can do that without injuring his own venture. Be thoughtful who you share your trade secret with!    

The drive of these verses is an inducement to developing good work ethics. Having them is the key to success. Therefore, we must apply ourselves to whatever we do. In whatever assignment, our work ethics will be reflected in the way we go about it. Remember Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “…whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”