“Words alone will not discipline a servant; the words may be understood, but they are not heeded.” [Pro 29:19 NLT]
Ever wonder how to deal with someone who works for you – but is not really willing to listen all that well to what you tell them? That is what today’s proverb addresses. It speaks of the workplace and relationships within it. This especially relates to those who have employees who are either not working – or – are guilty of slipshod work or work that is counterproductive to what the business is seeking to accomplish.
The problem is not in whether the employee can hear or not. Note from the passage before us that he hears fine – he even understands what has been said to him. The employee has a serious attitude problem though – and refuses to respond to his employer. This lack of respect will result in the worker also not taking the boss seriously. In the end he will do his work with the same attitude with which he listens. So, what is an employer to do when these things happen to him?
A wise employer seeks to hire people of character. You do background checks and seek information from other employers for this reason. If someone has a bad attitude – don’t hire them. They will only bring that bad attitude into your workplace as well. If someone has a history of causing problems in the workplace – they will have that same problem in your situation as well. When you have people with good character – reward them and do all you can to keep them around.
A wise employer also will incentivize his workplace. Just as no employer starts a business for the purpose of providing employment for others – no worker gets a job for the joy of working alone. The employer starts his business to make money. He puts in the hours, makes the sacrifice, and labors hard to make a profit for himself and for his family. He grows the business so that it will expand his profitability – so he can provide better for his family. The worker is motivated by the same thing. He does not work for the joy of working alone. He wants to provide for his family – and would like to see that provision become greater over time. When the workman knows that he will be blessed as the company is blessed – he will work hard. The wise employer will not merely instruct with words – he will make a case for his employees that if things become more profitable for the company, things will be more profitable for everyone who works for the company. Words alone won’t elicit response – but a share of the bounty of the company over time will.
A wise employer will also build a servant’s heart in his people. He will do this first by his own example. He will not be so detached from his people that they think he does nothing but play and collect a check. He will spend time with his people – and will let them know that he is a servant to the company as well. They all work together to serve their clientele. That attitude needs to spread to every level of management in the company. It also needs to spread to everyone who works in any position there is. They are not there to be served (which will lead to a bad attitude as they want more and more done FOR them) but to serve, and by so serving to make the company more successful. They are a success when their clients are happy.
Ultimately – the wise employer will let his employees know and see that he does not work for himself – he works for God. This will only be for those employers who submit themselves to God and realize that everything they have is from God. Not only will their employees be judged for their performance – even they as an employer will be as well – by God. God warns both employee and employer that they are responsible to Him. They will have to answer for their actions in the end before His throne. When an employee sees that even his boss submits to God – and wrestles with what is right before Him – it will give the employee a sense of confidence and safety knowing that his boss is not a law unto himself.
Words alone do not often bring about a response when we speak them. Words and promises are cheap – when they are not backed up with character and action. But when we speak the basic self-interest that exists within all of us – and do so with character, godliness, and a servant’s heart toward those we lead – we will see response where previously there has been none. Whether it is in reference to a slave – a paid worker – or even family and friends, people want to know that they are doing something that will matter – and will profit them in the end. The truly wise boss will do this – and will let his employees know that the ultimate goal of any business venture in which he is involved is to serve their clients unto the glory of God. Want to have them listen, hear, understand, and respond? Live like this!
This week, be an example by demonstrating godliness at work.
In His Hands,
John
