My second Faith & Family Business series considers the book of Proverbs. Though written thousands of years ago, these proverbs still have a timeliness and power today. My aim is to consider these maxims in the context of our current experience of living and working with family members. Thanks for your feedback and sharing this post with others.
In the first 9 chapters of Proverbs, we see longer expressions on the value of wisdom and the risks of immoral behavior. In chapter 6, the author offers a list of things the Lord hates. (I’ve used The Message version this time.)
Here are six things God hates, and one more that he loathes with a passion: eyes that are arrogant, a tongue that lies, hands that murder the innocent, a heart that hatches evil plots, feet that race down a wicked path, a mouth that lies under oath, a troublemaker in the family. (Prov. 6:16-19)
The family business - involving relationships, status, money, and power - provides a unique context for considering these admonishments. Arrogance, lies, abuse, political maneuvering, addiction, and unmanaged conflict, are common themes in the family enterprise. Such conduct not only hurts the family, it is displeasing to God.
People rarely admit to their own negative behavior, and families in business often sweep difficult issues under the rug. But self-reflection, direct and honest discussion, occasional confrontation, accountability, and even intervention may be necessary to make you or others aware of your, or their, impact. (See this article I wrote on a powerful way to communicate about difficult subjects.)
Have any of these displeasing behaviors occurred in your family business? Knowing we all fall short, how might you help the offender hear and understand God’s wishes for us?