Photo and blog by Sharman Dow
“When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, discretion will preserve you; understanding will keep you, to deliver you from the way of evil (and wrong decisions).” -Proverbs 2:10-12
Wisdom is a Business Asset
Wisdom is making the right decisions at the right time. It is having the ability to discern inner qualities and relationships. Displaying wisdom is having good sense and judgment in all matters. It is also a supernatural gift.
Finding wisdom is not as difficult as it may seem. It starts with holding an awareness of God in your heart.
Now you may ask, but how does this apply to my business life? Well for one thing, having wisdom will cause you to make better business decisions, especially with bringing God into the process. Have you ever asked God for wisdom? I do everyday in my business and personal life. I will be the first one to admit I like supernatural help when it comes to my business decisions or learning from my mistakes.
Sometimes, gaining wisdom passes us by without our understanding what has taken place. Are you learning from your past mistakes? Personal experience is a great teacher of wisdom. However, many times those personal experiences are passed by without acquiring knowledge from our past mistakes. Are you re-thinking the process of the mistakes you made in the past? Are you evaluating those mistakes for future decisions?
It sometimes can be just saying the right thing at the right time or staying silent when needed and just listening.
It took me a long time to learn this, and I made a lot of mistakes on the way. However, what I learned from my hasty decisions or quick responses is that time was on my side.
In addition, God was on my side. I said it. Yes, God was on my side!! Have you ever picked up the Book of Proverbs and read a few chapters? Solomon wrote many of the Proverbs and was considered one of the wisest men that ever lived. I try to read a chapter of Proverbs every day. I want wisdom in my life, and reading Proverbs helps me gain it.
In addition, considering God in the development of your choices calls wisdom into your life. It does not hurt to have supernatural guidance in your decision-making process. Next time, if you are not sure how to respond to a situation, put your thoughts on pause. Slow down and rethink the consequences of each choice. Ask yourself, what will that decision cause in the end? In other words, write or think through the pros and cons of your decision process, then ask God for wisdom regarding the matter.
If a decision will harm a relationship, whether a competitor or a peer, then quite possibly it could be the wrong choice for you. Always being gracious with integrity to all parties will bring the best results. At first it may not seem so, but in the end, wisdom will prevail. It always does, even though it may cause you to bite your tongue for the moment. Pausing from your first inclination to retaliate or lose it is wisdom. Stop yourself from saying or writing something that will cause harm to you later. Think through the consequences before reacting, especially in emails.
By holding a place in your conscience knowing God is not only watching, but also able to guide you along the way, will change your perspective. I never hesitate to ask for His help, especially when I’m confused on what to do. Also, thinking about Him helps me to contain my wrong choices.
About two years ago, I lost an account to a business acquaintance and friend. I was heartbroken that my friend would have no scruples and go after my account. However, I did not let my response to my client show my wounds. It would have been easy to show my bitterness and appear petty. That is what my first reaction was to do. But what would have been gained by putting forth negative comments? The only thing accomplished would be the client thinking I was a sore loser.
However, my time came about a year later, as something was brought to my attention that displayed the inexperience of their new broker. Without mentioning anything personal about my friend, I merely sent an email to my prior client explaining the weakness of their current program. My concern was for my client, looking out for their best interest. I asked God for supernatural help in wording my email the best way.
By keeping God in the process of pointing out the problem without getting personal, I honored God and kept my dignity. I put my client’s best interest at heart without compromising my integrity. Having wisdom guided me to make the right decision at the right time and it will for you!
Sharman Dow is the founder of the Empower Women’s Conference, coming October 22nd to Orange County. Register today!
