Be that as it may, it’s important to always have a healthy suspicion of debt. If you need to take out a loan for an important purchase, be sure that you have a plan to pay it off (preferably early). Don’t max out credit cards with money you don’t have. It will only serve to take away your freedom.
4. Being Good Person is Good for Business.
A common misconception for young entrepreneurs and aspiring career people looking to rise to a place of leadership in their industry is that you necessarily need to step over (or on) other people in order to get there.
But the wisdom of the Proverbs actually teaches us the opposite. Being a good person is good for business. In the long run, having an honorable and righteous character is good for your career.
One who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth
and one who gives gifts to the rich—both come to poverty.
(Proverbs 22:16)
Cooking the books, lying on your taxes, and throwing coworkers under the bus so that you can get the big promotion all work—in the short term. But eventually that bill will come due.
Whoever increases wealth by taking interest or profit from the poor
amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor.
(Proverbs 28:8)
Being just, kind, and generous in the midst of your efforts to excel in your industry sometimes means that your progress will be slower. But your progress will be more stable and secure, as well as God-honoring.
5. The Hustle Isn’t Everything it’s Cracked up To Be.
We live in the age of the hustle. Most career people have at least one side hustle, to supplement their income, to gain exposure, or to hopefully transition to a different industry or full-time job role.
You can overwork yourself for a season. But if you don’t eventually transition to a more sustainable pace, you’ll burn yourself out.
Do not wear yourself out to get rich;
do not trust your own cleverness.
(Proverbs 23:4)
It may feel like you’re leaving opportunities on the table in order to scale back your hustle. Nevertheless, you’ll still be coming out ahead; because when burn out hits you, you’re taken out of the game completely.
