The Bible and Planning

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Proverbs 21:5, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.”

Ecclesiastes 9:10, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.”

Philippians 2:4, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

People often wonder if the Bible talks about business, marketing, and planning. Absolutely! As we see in the devotional in the module and here in these verses, the Book of Proverbs and the New Testament have timeless advice for all aspects of life and business. Regardless of for-profit or non-profit status, marketing and building any business or organizations is about knowing other people and understanding their wants and needs, and then building a relationship with those who want or need your offering now or in the future.

So we can use the Bible to teach us about business and planning for success, and that is where data and research come in. We do research to help us make better decisions. But doesn’t the Bible also tell us that God already knows what will happen? Isn’t God in control of everything so we are wasting our time trying to change that outcome? That presents us an interesting paradox- what if our business or organization is not supposed to succeed regardless of what we do, or even more interesting is what if it is supposed to succeed in spite of what we do or don’t do? Is there any basis of expecting God to save us from our own laziness. Just because He could does not mean He will.

Consider that paradox and answer these questions:

Since we assume God is in control, why do we plan?
If our organization fails, does that mean it was doomed by God regardless of our efforts?
How do cultures and faith traditions other than your own view business failure?

 

Sample Solution

Planning and Faith: A Paradox Resolved

The verses you shared present a compelling paradox: if God is in control, why plan? Here’s how we can reconcile faith and planning:

  • God’s Sovereignty and Human Agency: The Bible affirms God’s ultimate control (Ecclesiastes 9:10) but also emphasizes human responsibility (Proverbs 21:5). While God has a plan, we have the free will to make choices and act upon them. Diligent planning and effort (Proverbs 21:5) are ways we steward the resources God provides.
  • Planning Demonstrates Trust: Philippians 2:4 encourages looking beyond oneself. Careful planning demonstrates responsible use of God’s gifts and a commitment to serving others effectively. It reflects trust that God will work through our efforts.
  • Planning Acknowledges Our Limitations: We don’t have perfect knowledge (Proverbs 21:5). Planning helps us anticipate challenges and navigate them wisely. It’s not about controlling the outcome, but about making informed decisions within the boundaries of God’s sovereignty.

Organizational Failure and God’s Plan:

  • Failure Can Be a Learning Experience: Organizational failure doesn’t necessarily mean God’s disapproval. Sometimes it’s a result of mistakes or external factors. However, failure can be a valuable learning opportunity, prompting reflection and adaptation.
  • Failure Can Be Part of God’s Plan: In some cases, failure might be part of a larger divine plan. A business might not succeed in its current form, but its efforts could pave the way for something more significant.
  • Focus on Character Over Success: The Bible emphasizes the importance of character over worldly success. Even in failure, an organization can develop integrity, resilience, and a commitment to serving others (Philippians 2:4).

Views on Business Failure in Other Cultures:

  • Confucianism: Emphasizes personal responsibility and learning from mistakes. Failure is seen as an opportunity for self-improvement.
  • Islam: Teaches trust in God’s providence while advocating for hard work and ethical business practices. Failure can be a test of faith.
  • Hinduism: Believes in karma, where actions have consequences. Failure might be a result of past actions, but it’s also a chance for positive change in the present.

These are just a few examples. Many cultures acknowledge the role of faith, effort, and external factors in business success and failure.

Conclusion

Faith and planning are not mutually exclusive. We can trust God’s control while taking responsibility for our choices and actions. Diligent planning demonstrates respect for God’s gifts and allows us to navigate the uncertainties of business with wisdom and integrity. Regardless of the outcome, we can strive to learn, adapt, and serve others through our endeavors.

 

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