The Business of Living Life

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” -Proverbs 16:25

From the moment each of us is born we immediately start a business. Every person is the sole owner of this business and is completely responsible for its profit or loss. That business is called “life.” It may seem cold to refer to life in this way, but think about it. A business wants to maximize profits and minimize losses. Similarly, in life, we want to maximize results and minimize regrets. We want our one life to change the world for future generations…to be useful in ways that truly matter. These are the “maximized results” that most of us long to accomplish. This type of success is not possible without godly wisdom.

The older we get, the more we realize that the business of life is short. Every year is precious and time seems to speed by faster and faster. If we examine our lives closely, we will find that almost every regret we have resulted from not making a wise decision in one of three areas: How we spend our time, how we manage our money, or how we handle temptation. Learning to live wisely in these three areas will go a long way to helping us live a life that pleases and glorifies God.

You can only run the business of life in one of two ways: 1) The way you think is best, or 2) The way God says is best. Proverbs 16:25 issues a warning to those who attempt to live by what seems right to them. “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” It is unwise to live according to what you think sounds right or feels right. It is foolish to base decisions on what is popular or acceptable. Every thought, attitude, and action should be held up to the truth and light of God’s perfect Word.

Living according to our own ideas – however right they may seem to us – can lead us down a road to death…death of relationships, of dreams, of influence, and even of eternal life. If this has been your story, take heart! Jesus came to redeem us from the ashes of our mistakes and sins. It is never too late to begin the business of living according to what God says is best. 

Father, help me to live not according to my own ideas and desires, but according to what You say is right and best. Thank You for the gift of the Bible – Your Holy Word – that leads me on the path of wisdom. In Jesus’ name, amen.