For many years I have relied on a cycle of reading through the Proverbs, a collection of the Wisdom of Solomon, one of the wisest kings in the history of the planet. Since there are 31 chapters of Proverbs, I find it easy to match up a daily chapter reading with the date of each day for a pattern of reading and reflection.
I find that if I do this on a somewhat regular schedule, I cycle through the Proverbs multiple times in a year. The next result is that I become very familiar with principles of wisdom from King Solomon. These daily readings become increasingly familiar and the Wisdom of Solomon begins to penetrate and shape my way of thinking. My way of thinking begins to shape my actions and principles for living and working. So, by now you’ve guessed it: I am a big fan of the Proverbs of Solomon.
Then, something very exciting happened. A close friend recently shared with me that he had written a book on the Proverbs of Solomon and integrated wisdom principles with the story of his business. In his book The Heart of Business: Wisdom for Success in Any Economy, Raymond Harris, explains how the Wisdom of Solomon can be applied to work, more specifically to running a business. I just finished the book and would recommend it highly to anyone seriously interested in mining wisdom principles for life and work.
It is one of the most practical books I have read in quite some time. Fair warning, though: you may have to rethink some of your habits and business practices after you read this book.
People have often asked: Is Buckner a business or a ministry? I usually respond by saying, “Yes.” We are in the business of shining hope in the lives of vulnerable children and their families and by offering dignity and purposeful living for those at the end of life. Our business is ministry, serving others.
I might recommend this book to you because Raymond has become “…a friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24)” to me. I might recommend the book to you because Raymond tells a fascinating story of the growth of his business. But the truth is, this book is a unique combination of wisdom principles and practical, real world experience told in the first person. This kind of practical and applied wisdom in the form of counsel is hard to find.
I hope you will consider taking a look at this powerful book. I am certain you will find wisdom for life.
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