Marketplace Proverbs & Coffee With Ernie

“Choose my instruction over silver, knowledge over the finest gold.” Proverbs 8:10-11 CEBProverbs 8 is written from the perspective of experience looking back, rather than from a young man’s anticipation. This view reflects my own approach to writing, coaching, and podcast hosting. Now in my 78th year of life and my 60th year in the marketplace, I reflect on a journey filled with missteps that I could have avoided if I had paused to seek God's wisdom.Solomon isn’t simply chasing knowledge and wisdom; he’s encouraging us to value them early, pursue them intentionally, and hold them consistently. Knowledge and wisdom don’t come automatically with position or responsibility; they must be actively cultivated, not as a reward, but as a response. They’re developed through obedience and guarded through discernment, which matters greatly in today’s chaotic culture, especially for Customer Success Masters™ entrusted with influence.When Responsibility Arrives Before ConfidenceThere’s a pivotal moment early in Solomon’s leadership that gives Proverbs 8 both weight and relevance. In 1 Kings 3, Solomon has just become king. He’s inherited authority he didn’t campaign for, and there were responsibilities he wasn’t fully prepared to carry. His prayer reveals a rare and refreshing humility:“And now here I am: God, my God, you have made me, your servant, ruler of the kingdom in place of David my father. I’m too young for this, a mere child! I don’t know the ropes, hardly know the ‘ins’ and ‘outs’ of this job. And here I am, set down in the middle of the people you’ve chosen, a great people—far too many to ever count. “Here’s what I want: Give me a God-listening heart so I can lead your people well, discerning the difference between good and evil. For who on their own is capable of leading your glorious people?” 1 Kings 3:7–9 (MSG)Solomon doesn’t ask for success, security, or longevity. He doesn’t ask for protection from enemies or for the admiration of others. Instead, he asks for wisdom and discernment, recognizing a truth many of us overlook: a perceived calling without discernment is dangerous. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit marketplaceproverbs.substack.com