Ecclesiastes 7:1 (NKJV): “A good name is better than precious ointment…”  

For decades, I’ve been active in the Better Business Bureau. The word “better” appears 127 times in the Bible, so I asked myself, “Which of these passages seem to be particularly relevant to the workplace?” The answer is many.   

In studying these passages, we can glean that from a Judeo-Christian perspective, a truly “better” employer or employee exhibits these characteristics:

1) Values obedience to the Word and the Spirit.

2) Pursues and cherishes integrity.

3) Trusts in God through thick and thin.

4) Seeks to receive and apply wisdom.

5) Is content with little instead of coveting wealth.   

6) Is loving and avoids hatred. 

7) Is humble and avoids pride.

8) Is slow to anger and avoids tantrums.

9) Enjoys his or her work.

10) Works in quietness and tranquility of soul.

11) Handles correction well and learns from it.

12) Has a servant spirit and avoids selfishness.

13) Is willing to suffer for doing what’s right. 

Do you see these “better business” attributes in yourself at work? Can you see how much better the business world would be if more employers and employees had these attributes? Let it begin with us!

Let’s think about and discuss these questions:

1. Based on your experience, what professional traits contribute to building a better business environment?

2. In order to become a better worker, what aspects of yourself do you think need to be adjusted and changed?

3. In your recent work, which Scripture passage reminds you has resonated with you the most? Why?