Marketplace Proverbs and Coffee with Ernie

I started my career back in October 1965, while I was still a senior in high school, working part-time at Phipps Piano Company in Birmingham, AL. I loved helping customers find British VOX amps and VOX Phantom Guitars. After graduating in June 1966, I worked full-time in retail until January 2, 1971, when I had the exciting opportunity to join St. Louis Music as a territory sales representative. This journey has been filled with great experiences and opportunities to grow. Back then, I wanted to know: How much can I sell? How successful can I become? When can I afford to buy a Cadillac? How far can I go up the ladder?Today, the question is different. What am I building that will survive? Because one day, according to the Apostle Paul, everything I’ve built will be tested. Not by customers. Not by managers. Not by shareholders. By fire.“The trustworthy person will get a rich reward, but a person who wants quick riches will get into trouble.”— Proverbs 28:20 NLT 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

I messed up. I will explain in the video. 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

You Don’t Need a Title to Lead—But You Need ThisYou’ve likely heard the phrase, 'Leadership is influence.' However, my experience has shown that not all influence is equal. Some individuals exert pressure or push, some rely on their position, but true influence comes from inspiring genuine followership.Proverbs 22 reminds us of this kind of life. While force might produce quick results, it doesn’t create sustainable impact.So, here’s the key question: Are you leading because people are compelled to follow, or because they genuinely trust you? 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

Remember when you turned down a deal that seemed good on the surface but didn’t feel right? Over the years, I’ve realized that customers might not always grasp your strategy, but they can sense your true motives. In today’s market, it’s common to say the right things with a hidden agenda. However, trust isn’t solely based on words—it’s rooted in your underlying intentions. This Proverb today reminds us that integrity isn’t just about actions; it’s about the reasons behind them. 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

Did you know that one of God’s prescriptions for a healthier life doesn’t come from the pharmacy? In today’s episode, we’ll discover why a cheerful heart is more than a good mood—it’s good medicine. Grab your coffee and join me as we explore the healing power of laughter from Proverbs 17:22.Ron Price, Conflict Resolution Coach, Joins us to talk about the benefits of laughter. 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

Do you ask yourself, “What am I doing and why am I doing it?” Frankly, most of us ask ourselves these questions at times, especially when we’re constantly facing challenges, navigating uncharted territory (shifting culture), or feel the mountain in front of us is too steep to climb. Sometimes I ask myself a simple question: “Is this desire to write, speak, and coach something I created, or something God placed inside me?”To be fully transparent, sometimes I wonder whether my dream and vision to write, coach, and speak are truly God-inspired or just something I want to believe. We will unpack this on today’s episode. 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

We used to have three Cocker Spaniels. If I mentioned the word “bone,” their ears immediately perked up, and their tails started wagging. They loved bones. Big bones. Little bones. Milk-Bones. Even bones they buried and forgot where they buried them. They were bone experts. But the bones Ezekiel saw weren’t dog bones. They were people's bones. Dry bones. Scattered bones. The kind of bones most people would look at and conclude: “That story is over.” Then God asked Ezekiel a remarkable question: “Son of man, can these bones live?”“A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones.”— Proverbs 14:30 NLTToday’s episode was inspired by reading Marty Stubbfield’s Old Lazy Dog Blog, a daily newsletter. It’s free. Please consider subscribing. 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

Have you ever heard someone say, maybe jokingly, maybe not, “Don’t waste your time on riffraff”?In business, that usually means don’t spend too much time on people who aren’t influential, wealthy, strategic, or capable of moving the revenue needle. In plain English: chase the big dollar and ignore the nickels.But here’s a question for our coffee together today.What if one of the clearest warning lights of internal drift is how we assign value to people?Do we treat some customers, coworkers, or team members as more worthy of our time simply because of their title, platform, followers, or purchase order?Peter Drucker wrote about human dignity in the workplace. King Solomon warned about people who stir up trouble and manipulate others. When I put those two ideas together, I felt challenged by a deeper question.Am I serving people for what they can do for me… or for what God wants to do through me? 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

What if the most sought-after letters after a person’s name weren’t MD, MA, MBA, or PhD? What if they were simply: DM. Disciple Maker.We live in a culture that highly values credentials, certifications, titles, and accomplishments. There’s nothing inherently wrong with education or professional achievement. I’ve spent nearly sixty years in the marketplace surrounded by highly talented, highly credentialed people. Credentials can open doors. Titles can create opportunity. Education can sharpen skills. But I’ve learned something through the years. Letters after our name may impress people. But transformed lives impact eternity.Scripture“My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding.”— Proverbs 2:1–3 NLT 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

Jon Kluiter, my friend and co-author of Marketplace Proverbs Vol. 1 and 2, joins me today to discuss the classic movie Glengarry Glen Ross. 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

I bet you know people who are nearly impossible to replace. They may not be the loudest. or have the fanciest title. They may not even earn the highest salary. Yet when they leave an organization or team, everyone feels the difference. Why? Because, from my perspective, some people consistently bring more value and add significance than what is merely required. They do more than expected, and they serve beyond minimum standards. They go the extra mile. They give what I like to call nine hours for eight. “Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer.—Proverbs 30:25 NIV 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

Have you ever noticed that two people—or two organizations—can experience the exact same event and end up with completely different outcomes? Same challenge. Same pressure. Same disruption. Different outcome. Why? Because events alone rarely determine outcomes. Response matters.Today, we will unpack Dr. Robert Resnick’s formula, E + R = O, popularized by Jack Canfield and Kent Julian. “Stupid people express their anger openly, but sensible people are patient and hold it back.” Proverbs 29:11 GNT 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

Have you noticed how success can quietly change us? Not always dramatically. Not overnight, it’s usually gradual. A promotion here. Recognition there. A bigger title. A larger office. More influence. More people are listening and agreeing. If we’re not careful, something subtle begins to happen. We started serving the mission, then somewhere along the way, we began expecting the mission to serve us.“The lazy fool claims to be smarter than seven men who can answer sensibly.”— Proverbs 26:16 MSG 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

The things causing the greatest damage in our lives are not always the obvious big things. Rarely does a vineyard fail because of one dramatic catastrophe. More often, damage begins quietly. Subtly, incrementally, one small intrusion at a time, a little neglect, a little compromise, a little resentment, a little cynicism, a little offense, a little drift. Before long, something once healthy and fruitful begins producing sour grapes. And nobody likes sour grapes.“Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.”— Proverbs 25:28 NIV“Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom.”— Song of Solomon 2:15 NIV 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

The things causing the greatest damage in our lives are not always the obvious big things. Rarely does a vineyard fail because of one dramatic catastrophe. More often, damage begins quietly. Subtly, incrementally, one small intrusion at a time, a little neglect, a little compromise, a little resentment, a little cynicism, a little offense, a little drift. Before long, something once healthy and fruitful begins producing sour grapes. And nobody likes sour grapes.“Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.”— Proverbs 25:28 NIV“Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom.”— Song of Solomon 2:15 NIV 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

Does life rarely ask permission before disrupting your plans? Storms don’t check our calendars. Setbacks don’t schedule appointments. Problems rarely arrive at convenient times. Sometimes life knocks us down without warning.The real question is not whether we will face setbacks. The real question is: What happens after we fall?“For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again…”— Proverbs 24:16 NIV 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

The Lion in the StreetHave you ever convinced yourself not to do something you knew was good for you? It’s not because it was impossible, dangerous, or because God told you not to. Sometimes, your mind just finds a very convincing reason. Over the years, I’ve learned that my mind is incredibly good at coming up with reasons to justify what my heart already desires. This insightful point is exactly what Solomon warns us about in Proverbs 22. excuse. Scripture“The sluggard says, ‘There is a lion outside! I shall be killed in the streets!”— Proverbs 22:13 ESV 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

Today I want to talk about the “F” word. No, not the one you hear on social media, cable television, or some podcasts. I’m talking about another “F” word. A word that’s become so common, most of us don’t even notice it anymore. In fact, I hear it almost every day. I’ll ask someone how they’re doing, and they’ll respond: “Fine.” Just fine. Not grateful. Not hopeful. Not excited. Not growing. Just… fine. And the more I hear that word, the more I wonder if we’ve accepted emotional mediocrity as normal.What if “fine” is one of the most dangerous words in the marketplace?Because nobody changes the world by being fine. Nobody builds great relationships by being fine. Nobody adds significance to others by settling for fine.Today I want to challenge you to replace “fine” with something much more powerful. Life, Hope, Gratitude. And maybe, just maybe, discover that your words are shaping more of your future than you realize 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

Have you ever noticed that some of the most valuable moments in business never show up on a spreadsheet? You can’t measure them with a KPI. They don’t appear on a sales report. And they certainly don’t fit neatly into a CRM field. I’m talking about the conversations in the hallway. The coffee is shared between meetings. The laughter at a trade show dinner. The relationship strengthened during a long walk from one convention hall to another. Those moments may not seem productive at the time. But what if they are? What if some of the most productive things we do are the very things that make us more human?“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.”— Proverbs 17:22 NLT 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

Ron Price, conflict resolution coach and long time friend joins us for an interesting conversation on guarding our hearts and minds. 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

Your Workplace Is a SanctuaryToday, I want to challenge the way you think about your workplace. What if your office, sales territory, classroom, delivery truck, retail shop, coffee shop, or even your car pool became a sanctuary? Not a church building. Not a religious performance. But a place where people experience peace, dignity, encouragement, patience, and the love of Christ through the way you serve them.Frankly, I think the marketplace desperately needs more sanctuaries. Today, I unpack my thinking on Proverbs 12:20. 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

Today, I share a lesson I learned while taking a walk. Not from a sermon, podcast, or book. But from a piece of concrete. On a recent walk, I noticed two sections of sidewalk. One section was relatively new. The other had clearly been there much longer. Both were strong. Both were made from the same ingredients.Both contained sand, cement, and reinforcing steel beneath the surface. Yet one section showed signs of wear. Not because it was weaker. Not because it had a different foundation. It had simply been exposed longer. Frankly, that observation reminded me of life. The older we get, the more exposure we accumulate. The question is not whether our foundation is strong. The question is whether we are paying attention to what is shaping us over time. 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

Today I want to talk about something I’ve learned the hard way over many years in the marketplace and in life itself.What we repeatedly ignore in the near term often ignores us in the long term.And what we consistently focus on in the near term usually begins shaping our future in ways we never expected.Health works that way.Relationships work that way.Leadership works that way.And marketplace influence works that way, too. 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

Today, I want to talk about something I’ve learned after nearly six decades in the marketplace: Gospel-Centric Customer Success Mastery™ has very little to do with flashy jewelry, expensive suits, luxury watches, or trying to become the loudest person in the room. In fact, some of the most trusted relationship builders I’ve ever met were often the calmest people in the room. The best listeners. The most measured. The least interested in impressing others. Frankly, the older I get, the more convinced I become that real marketplace influence has less to do with image and far more to do with trust, consistency, discernment, and significance.Gospel-Centric Customer Success Mastery™ goes way beyond the traditional know-like-trust sales training. 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

At first, the sound was sweet — until the distortion started. That’s how deception works. Proverbs 5 isn’t just about adultery; it’s about seduction by counterfeit clarity. The enemy never sells obvious lies. He tweaks truth slightly off frequency — enough to please the ear but pollute the message.In the marketplace, we hear it through promises of shortcuts, inflated numbers, or clever spin. It’s the temptation to “sweeten the mix” until it pleases the crowd but no longer honors the source.Audio engineers know that artificial brightness can impress for a moment but fatigues the listener over time. The same happens when we trade authenticity for approval. The short-term applause is sweet, but the long-term damage dulls integrity.God’s Word is the reference track — always in tune, always true. Measure everything you say and hear against His frequency, not the marketplace’s echo. 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

Allow me to ask you something. Have you ever met someone who seemed energized by cutting corners, almost driven to push the line? Well, proverbs: don't even step onto that path; avoid it, turn away, pass on. That's not subtle, because some roads in business don't just damage our reputation. They rob our peace. And there are people who can't sleep unless they've stirred up trouble. So today, which path are you walking? 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

“Today’s conversation takes us straight to the heart of Proverbs 3:9–10, a passage that teaches us to honor the Lord with our first fruits—the very best of what He’s entrusted to us. Now, most people hear that and think about money or tithing. But I’ve learned over the years that God isn’t after our stuff… He’s after our stance.When we give God our first and our best, we’re not ‘giving to get.’ We’re not negotiating with Heaven. We’re simply saying, ‘Lord, everything I have comes from You, and I get to give back what was never mine to begin with.’And that posture—humility, gratitude, and trust—opens us to a life that’s full, overflowing, and anchored in His provision.And today, we’re joined by someone who lives this out in real time. Husband, father of four, and the creator of the daily devotional ‘Just Abide Daily,’ my friend Cory Patton is here. And together, we’re going to unpack what it really means to honor God first… in our homes, our work, our generosity, and our everyday life.” 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

In today’s episode, I reference, with permission, Marty Stubblefield’s devotional on WORK from his Lazy Dog Newsletter. Marty writes: Scripture tells us the first person recorded as “filled with the Spirit” wasn’t a pastor, but a craftsman, a worker. An artist trusted to build something well. Marty quotes Jesus:“We must do the work of Him who sent me, as long as it is day.”—John 9:4In the New Testament…Of the 132 public appearances that Jesus made, 122 were in the marketplace. Of the 52 parables that Jesus told, 45 had a workplace context. Of the 40 miracles in the Book of Acts, 39 were in the marketplace.Our WORK isn’t just a J.O.B. (Just over Broke). Our WORK is sacred when we know who we work for. 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

“When they say, “Come on! Let's gang up and kill somebody, just for the fun of it! Don't follow anyone like that or do what they do. They are in a big hurry to commit some crime, perhaps even murder. But if you listen to me, you will be safe and secure without fear of disaster.”—Proverbs 1:11, 15-16, 33 CEVProverbs 1 warns us about people who run toward trouble, manipulation, and quick-hit gains. Their feet “run to evil”—meaning they rush into conflict, deception, and shortcuts. But wisdom calls us to something very different: To hold back our foot. To decline the invitation to strife. To refuse the path of haste and pressure. To choose the way of peace. Wisdom promises that if we listen, really listen, we will “dwell securely and be at ease.” That’s the posture of a Peacemaker.MARKETPLACE APPLICATION“Running to evil” doesn’t always look like crime. In the marketplace, it shows up as:• Rushing to win at any cost. Cutting corners, exaggerating capabilities, forcing a deal through because we’re 2/3 through the quarter.• Zero-sum thinking. Believing the only way to win is for the customer to lose.• Reacting instead of responding. Sending the angry email, escalating tension, and matching someone else’s hostility.That path destroys peace, our peace. We lose sleep, we live with dread. We wonder what’s going to blow up next. But the Peacemaker takes a different path:Holding back the foot.• We don’t join someone else’s drama.• We don’t match a competitor’s shady tactics.• We don’t let emotion dictate our response.We slow down, we listen, we choose the next right step, not the fastest. And the reward? Jesus says it best:“God blesses those people who make peace. They will be called his children!”—Matthew 5:9A career and a life marked by security and peace. We sleep well because our integrity supports us. Our accounts are solid because our commitments are real. 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

How often have you sent an invitation only to receive the response: “I’ll pray about it,” followed by silence? No confirmation, no rejection—just ambiguity.This episode is very personal. I recently asked someone I respect to join me on this podcast, and he replied, “That’s an interesting concept. I’ll pray about it.” That was over 45 days ago. During this silence, I wondered: Is this a gentle Christian way of saying no? And deeper still: does my work—my writing, my podcast—lack importance?Today, I want to share some of my inner thoughts. Not seeking sympathy. No pity party here. But because I believe many of us face the same challenge: how to handle silence without letting it damage our sense of self. 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

We say it all the time…“I’m just waiting on the right time.” “I’m waiting on the Lord.” And sometimes that’s true. But what if the delay isn’t about timing? What if it’s about preparation or lack thereof? I had a moment in my own life where that hit me hard. The opportunity wasn’t the issue. Readiness was. Proverbs 27:1 reminds us that we don’t control tomorrow. So here’s the real question: While you’re waiting, what are you actually doing to get ready? 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

You Don’t Need a Title to Lead—But You Need ThisYou’ve likely heard the phrase, 'Leadership is influence.' However, my experience has shown that not all influence is equal. Some individuals exert pressure or push, some rely on their position, but true influence comes from inspiring genuine followership.Proverbs 22 reminds us of this kind of life. While force might produce quick results, it doesn’t create sustainable impact.So, here’s the key question: Are you leading because people are compelled to follow, or because they genuinely trust you? 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

Some customers seem impossible to please. What if the reason for their constant nagging isn’t about the product… but about the relationship level? Today, we’re in Proverbs 21:9— because it’s the 21st day of the month. 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

There’s a question most people don’t ask. Why are you really doing what you’re doing? Not the surface answer, the real one. In the marketplace, it’s easy to say the right things, do the right things… and still carry the wrong motive.Proverbs 20 talks about dishonest scales—looking fair on the outside… but not on the inside.So here’s the question: Is there alignment between what you say and why you’re saying it? 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

If you want to grow your business, your impact, and your legacy… the real question isn’t, “What do I know?” but “Who am I listening to?” Today, we’re in Proverbs 19:20— because it’s the 19th day of the month. 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

Let’s talk about conflict for a second… Most people think conflict comes from big moments. It doesn’t. It usually starts with something small—a comment, a tone, a quick reaction, or even something said behind the scenes.Proverbs 18 says our words don’t just reflect conflict, they create it.And if we’re frank, we’ve all been on both sides of that.So here’s the question: Are your words building clarity, or quietly creating tension you’ll have to deal with later? 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

You’ve probably heard it before…“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”—Jim RohnBut what if it’s bigger than that? Proverbs 15 reminds us that plans succeed with many advisers. But here’s the catch: not all voices are equal. And some are louder than others. Family. Friends. Workplace. Faith. Media.They’re all speaking every day.So here’s the real question: Are you choosing those voices intentionally or just letting them shape you by default? 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

Let’s be transparent for a minute. Do you keep showing up, doing the work, saying the right things, but inside, something just feels off? Not broken. Not quitting. Just… not fully alive.Proverbs 13 says hope deferred makes the heart sick. And that doesn’t happen overnight. It’s subtle. Quiet. Gradual. I’ve seen it in the marketplace… and I’ve seen it in the guy in the mirror.So here’s the question: Are you thriving right now or just learning how to function on empty? AKA surviving? 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

This episode is a little different…It’s more of a “by the way” conversation.I’m just going to bear my soul for a few minutes…hoping maybe something I’m walking throughmight bless you in something you’re walking through.Have you ever asked yourself…What am I doing?Why am I doing it?And maybe even wondered…Is this really from God… or is this just something I want to be true? 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

How often have you said “yes” to what seemed like a great opportunity, only to realize later it might not have been the best choice?I have. And I can tell you those decisions usually didn’t come from wisdom.They came from pressure or anxiety.Proverbs 8 reminds us that wisdom isn’t automatic.It’s something we pursue and something we listen for. Because not every open door is meant for you to walk through. So maybe the better question is this: Are you chasing opportunity or are you seeking discernment? 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

Not every bad decision looks bad at the beginning. In fact, most of them sound reasonable, they feel justified, and they usually come wrapped in opportunity.Proverbs 7 doesn’t warn us about obvious failure.It warns us about subtle seduction.“Stick close to my instruction, my son, and follow all my advice. If you do what I say you will live well. Guard your life with my revelation-truth, for my teaching is as precious as your eyesight. Treasure my instructions, and cherish them within your heart. Say to wisdom, “I love you,” and to understanding, “You’re my sweetheart.” “May the two of you protect me, and may we never be apart!” For they will keep you from the adulteress, with her smooth words meant to seduce your heart.” Proverbs 7:1-5 TPT (The Passion Translation)In the marketplace, that can look like closing the deal at any cost, saying what needs to be said, and fixing it later. I’ve seen it. I’ve felt it.And if we’re frank and transparent, we’ve all been close to it.So here’s the question: Are you building trust or just winning in the moment? 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

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to drift off course in the marketplace?Proverbs 4 says, “Let your eyes look straight ahead… give careful thought to the path for your feet.”That’s leadership wisdom. Because success isn’t just about working harder — it’s about staying focused on the right direction.Distractions, shortcuts, and noise will always try to pull you left or right.But wise leaders keep their eyes forward, their steps steady, and their values aligned.So today’s question is simple:Are you walking with intention… or just drifting with the crowd? 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

Have you ever struggled with discipline? I mean really struggle… not just talk about it—but live in that tension every day? That’s what makes today’s conversation so real.My friend Ron Price—someone I’ve known and respected for years—openly shares that discipline doesn’t come easy for him. And yet… he’s learned something powerful from Proverbs 1: That wisdom isn’t about having it all together—It’s about being willing to grow… one decision at a time. Because discipline isn’t reserved for the naturally disciplined… It’s available to anyone willing to pursue it. And that changes the way we look at everything. 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

In sales, marketing, and leadership, it’s tempting to “add a little extra” to make our message stronger. But when it comes to God’s Word, adding, twisting, or trimming it to fit our agenda doesn’t strengthen it—it weakens us.“Everything God says is true— and it’s a shield for all who come to him for safety. Don’t change what God has said! He will correct you and show that you are a liar.” – Proverbs 30:5–6 (CEV)Today’s proverb reminds us that God’s Word doesn’t need our edits, enhancements, or spin. It’s already pure, complete, and powerful—capable of accomplishing exactly what God intends. In this episode, we’ll explore why a Gospel-Centered approach to communication means aligning our words with His Word, both in life and in the marketplace.As Gospel-Centered Customer Success Masters™, we must ask ourselves: Do our words build trust, foster relationships, and bear fruit? Or do they create barriers and misrepresent God’s intent?When we model our communication and presentations on the principles of God’s Word, we serve with integrity and create a ripple effect of influence—becoming faithful stewards of both the marketplace and the relationships entrusted to us. 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

Influence isn’t about being constantly in the spotlight, but about genuinely uplifting others. When we lead good people down the wrong path, it often leads to challenges, but doing good consistently brings its own rewards. Proverbs 28:10 reminds us that we can go astray, yet integrity promises lasting fulfillment. In today’s busy marketplace, many seek attention, approval, or the next big thing. But there’s a warmer, more meaningful approach I like to call the Barnabas Model of Influence—one that focuses on adding value, uplifting those around us, and inspiring genuine loyalty. Today's Customer Success Code™ highlights that true influence is about making others feel significant, not about grabbing attention for ourselves. Today, let’s explore what it truly means to lead from the heart and why gentle, steady influence often leaves a more lasting impact than loud, self-centered noise. 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

What if, when we think about building our reputation, we are actually setting ourselves up for a fall? Proverbs 27:1-21 gives us a clear warning. Relationships are redeemed when relationships are esteemed over personal pride. Pride leads to disgrace, but humility, putting others first, leads to wisdom. In today’s social media-centric marketplace, it’s easy to promote ourselves, protect our image, and chase recognition. But Customer Success Masters who truly rise, the ones who build lasting, celebrated relationships, aren’t driven by ego. They’re grounded in humility. Today, I discuss how choosing humility doesn’t make us weaker; it makes us wiser, more trusted, and far more influential in any transition. 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

“Don’t ever spitefully say, I’ll get even with him! I’ll do to him what he did to me!” Proverbs 24:29 (TPT )In our personal lives and in the marketplace, it’s easy to justify getting even when we’ve been wronged, especially when a competitor moves into our space, undercuts our pricing, or makes bold promises that may be impossible to fulfill. Their actions had a potentially negative influence, prompting us to consider retaliation. And if we retaliate, we most likely claim “they did it first, they deserved it. It’s just how the game is played. But what if mercy is actually the stronger move?Jesus said:“How blessed you are when you demonstrate tender mercy! For tender mercy will be demonstrated to you.” Matthew 5:7 (TPT)Notice, Jesus didn’t say the ones who win every argument, or the ones who get even. He clearly says, the ones who show mercy. Proverbs 24:29 warns against retaliation. The natural response is to match behavior. But mercy interrupts that cycle. 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

What makes a father’s heart swell… to the point of tears? It’s not the awards. It’s not the paycheck. It’s not the applause. It’s watching his child choose the right path when no one else is watching. Today’s Proverb paints a powerful picture—“When a father observes his child living in godliness, he is ecstatic with joy—nothing makes him prouder! So may your father’s heart burst with joy and your mother’s soul be filled with gladness because of you.”—Proverbs 23:24-25 TPTA parent overwhelmed with joy, not because of success…but because of character. And whether you’re a parent, a mentor, or someone investing in others in the marketplace, this one goes deeper than business. Because the greatest return on investment you’ll ever see… is a life you helped shape… walking in truth. 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

What makes a father’s heart swell… to the point of tears? It’s not the awards. It’s not the paycheck. It’s not the applause. It’s watching his child choose the right path when no one else is watching. Today’s Proverb paints a powerful picture—“When a father observes his child living in godliness, he is ecstatic with joy—nothing makes him prouder! So may your father’s heart burst with joy and your mother’s soul be filled with gladness because of you.”—Proverbs 23:24-25 TPTA parent overwhelmed with joy, not because of success…but because of character. And whether you’re a parent, a mentor, or someone investing in others in the marketplace, this one goes deeper than business. Because the greatest return on investment you’ll ever see… is a life you helped shape… walking in truth. 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

Let me ask you a simple question…What matters more—getting the result… or doing what’s right?Because in the marketplace, those two don’t always line up.I’ve seen people hit their numbers—and lose their credibility.And I’ve seen others choose integrity—and build something that lasts.Today’s Proverb 21:3 challenges us to rethink success.Not as what we achieve…but how we achieve it. 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