Thought for the Day

Verse 20 - There is more hope for a self-confident fool to learn wisdom than a man who is hasty with his words. As we have seen, a wise man controls himself and is careful about what he says, because rash words can lead to his ruin.

Verses 19 and 21 - Employees who scorn company rules cannot be corrected by mere words but must be dealt with by disciplinary action. However, before such action, the possibility of a valid grievance should not be ruled out. It is important that employers treat employees fairly. People generally respond to an employer according to their treatment. Negative treatment discourages employees from doing their best. However, just because an employee follows an employer's instructions does not mean that he respects them.

An employee who is treated like part of the employer's family, will eventually expect the privileges of a son. If he is selfish, he will be lazy, expect long vacations, consider himself exempt from company regulations, keep his own hours, and be indignant at a reprimand. On the other hand, if he is a person of good character, he could end up running the company, if the owner has no heir. Ephesians 6:5-9 gives instructions to both employees and employers. Employees are to remember that they are God's servants and work as unto Him. We can determine what kind of employee we are in God's eyes by asking ourselves these questions: "Do I take shortcuts on the job? "Do I cost others time or money by hiding my mistakes? "Do I gossip about my employer when I have a problem with him instead of communicating properly? "Do I steal? "Am I disciplined? "Do I avoid slothful habits such as tardiness? "Do I lie about my qualifications? "Do I quit a job without giving proper notification?"

Employers are instructed to treat their employees in the way that they themselves wish to be treated. They can determine what kind of servants they are in God's eyes by asking themselves these questions: "Do I compensate each of my employees with fair and just wages and benefits? "Do I unfairly terminate employees to save money? "Do I observe and give a Sabbath rest for all employees? "Do I treat all workers fairly? "Am I furnishing good, safe working conditions for my employees? "When correction is necessary, do I correct with kindness and grace?"

These lists are by no means complete, but they will help us examine ourselves to see if we are living a Christian life on the job. Unless people allow Jesus to change their nature, the conditions and morals of workplaces will continue to deteriorate. Christians should be examples in demonstrating good work ethics. It is sad that many behave no better than the world.