Proverbs 20.10
“Unequal weights and unequal measures are both alike an abomination to the Lord.”
In ancient times, weights and measures were used for commercial transactions to assure that the selling/buying of goods was fair. The message in this proverb is that whether from the seller or the buyer, the Lord expects fairness and hates cheating. Integrity in business is a central principle in the kingdom of God.
Proverbs 20.11
“Even a child makes himself known by his acts, by whether his conduct is pure and upright.”
Actions speak louder than words. You can lie with your mouth, but it is much harder to lie with your actions. Your reputation is based on what you do, not what you say. Promises don’t cut it – talk is cheap. Everyone talks, not everyone aligns their action with their words.
There are three ways that you deliver an experience to other people:
- Attitude. People feel your mood and mindset.
- Action. People see what you do and how you do it.
- Words. People hear what you say and how you say it.
Alignment of the three elements is essential. If your attitude and action are not in alignment with your words, you will lose trust. What you say has credibility only if it is confirmed and validated by what you do.
Jesus spoke to this basic truth in the Sermon on the Mount: “You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7.16-20)
Trust God, bear fruit, and earn the trust of others.
