Godpreneurs vs. A-hole Entrepreneurs
Updated: Sep 2, 2021
I was reading Psalm 37, and it dawned on me that God was juxtaposing two different people throughout the chapter: the wicked vs. the righteous.
Many times in business, we come across entrepreneurs who know how to make money, drive nice cars, and spit a good game when you first meet them, but then they turn out to be big a-holes (that's "asshole" for those that don't know).
We need to study Psalm 37 closely for two reasons.
So we know who we are NOT to become (or, for some of us, what we need to change from)
So we know who to AVOID doing business with (or be aware of the ministry work you might be jumping into)
The Bible describes them as wicked because they are far from God. Today, we wouldn't necessarily call them wicked. I don't use that word a lot. Instead, we call them business owners who are dictators, pompous, selfish, arrogant, prideful, narcissistic, and more synonyms in that line.
I've been in the situation of avoiding these wicked-type entrepreneurs. However, I've also been in a situation where I simply can't avoid them - God put me there to show them about Jesus and potentially guide them to righteousness.
Let's dive in and study the New Living Translation (NLT) of Psalm 37. I will use my #GodpreneurMethod and insert business terms using (parentheses) within the verses so the chapter becomes personal to our entrepreneurial experience.
Don't Envy A-hole Entrepreneurs.
(From Psalms 37:1-6)
Don’t worry about (bad Entrepreneurs) or envy those who do wrong. For like grass, they soon fade away. Like spring flowers, they soon wither.
Trust in the Lord and do good (in your business). Then you will (run businesses) safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your (Godpreneurial) heart’s desires. Commit (every business dealing) you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your (brand's cause) will shine like the noonday sun.
Don't Be Angry at A-hole Entrepreneurs
(From Psalms 37:7-15)
Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act (in your business ventures). Don’t worry about evil (entrepreneurs) who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.
Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper— it only leads to harm (for your own business). The (arrogant entrepreneur's business) will be destroyed, but those (Godpreneurs) who trust in the Lord will possess the land.
Soon the (narcissistic business owners) will disappear. Though you look for them, they will be gone. The (God-First entrepreneurs) will possess the land and (run businesses) in peace and prosperity.
The (dictatorial-type entrepreneurs) plot against the godly; they snarl at them in defiance. But the Lord just laughs, for he sees their day of judgment coming.
The (terrible business owners) draw their swords and string their bows to kill the poor and the oppressed, to slaughter those who do right. But their swords will stab their hearts, and their bows will be broken.
Don't Desire the Riches of A-hole Entrepreneurs
(From Psalms ..37:16-19)
It is better to be (a Godpreneur) and have little than to be (an evil entrepreneur) and rich. For the strength of the (terrible business owner) will be shattered, but the Lord takes care of the (kingdom-minded marketplace leaders).
Day by day, the Lord takes care of (upright business owners), and they will receive an inheritance that lasts forever. They will not be disgraced in hard times; even in (economic depressions) they will have more than enough.
Don't Be Stingy Like A-hole Entrepreneurs
(From Psalms 37:20-24)
But the wicked (entrepreneur's business will fail). (Businesses in opposition to God's purpose) are like flowers in a field— they will disappear like smoke.
(Evil business owners) borrow and never repay, but (Godpreneurs) are generous givers.
Those (Godpreneurs) the Lord blesses will (be industry leaders), but those he curses will (have failed businesses).
The Lord directs the steps of (God-First business owners). He delights in every detail of their (companies). Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.
Don't Chase Fantasies Like A-hole Entrepreneurs
(From Psalms 37:25-29)
Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet, I have never seen (Faith-driven entrepreneurs) abandoned, or their children are begging for bread.
(Godpreneurs) always give generous loans to others, and their children are a blessing.
Turn from evil and do good, and you will (thrive in your marketplace) forever. For the Lord loves justice, and he will never abandon the godly (business owner). He will keep (their business) safe forever, but the (employees) of the (selfish business owner) will (be out of work). The godly (entrepreneur) will (receive more share of the market) and will (thrive) there forever.
Don't Scheme Like A-hole Entrepreneurs
(From Psalms .37:30-33)
(Godpreneurs) offer good counsel; they teach right from wrong. They have made God’s law (the way they run their business), so they will never slip from his path.
(Terrible business owners) wait in ambush for (righteous entrepreneurs), looking for an excuse to (ruin) them. But the Lord will not let the wicked (entrepreneurs) succeed or let (Godpreneurs) be condemned when they are put on trial.
Don't be a Rebellious A-hole Entrepreneurs
(From Psalms .37:34-40)
Put your (business hopes) in the Lord. Travel steadily along his path. He will honor you by giving you (success in your industry). You will see (terrible businesses) destroyed.
I have seen wicked and ruthless (entrepreneurs) flourishing like a tree in its native soil. But when I looked again, they were gone! Though I searched for them, I could not find them! Look at those who are honest and good (business owners), for a wonderful (entrepreneurial) future awaits those who love peace.
But the rebellious (business owners) will be destroyed; (their businesses) have no future. The Lord rescues the (Godpreneur); he is their fortress in times of (business) trouble. The Lord helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find shelter in him.
To learn more about the #GodpreneurMethod of personalizing Bible verses to amplify their meaning for your business, take my YouVersion bible plan called "A Christian Entrepreneur's Guide to Business Growth."