In his book Winners Never Cheat, John Huntsman tells the story of how he negotiated a deal to sell a 40 percent stake in Huntsman Chemical for $54 million dollars. The negotiations ended with a handshake deal in place. While the lawyers took an excess of six months to complete the paperwork, the value increased to almost $250 million. When the buyer proposed to pay more, Huntsman said no. “We shook on the deal.”

This type of character is almost unheard of; but it shouldn’t be.
How much is your word worth?

Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.

Proverbs 20:17 KJV

I think I was 29 years old when I met Billy. The self proclaimed “Bilster” was about my age and owned a construction company that just so happened to be headquartered out of the building next to mine. Billy was almost uncomfortably full of energy and one of the friendliest people I have ever met.

My experience has taught me that people are not always as they seem, so when he greeted me with a loud “How in the Heaven are you?”. My first thought was…not another one of these guys. I am blessed now to say, “The Bilster” didn’t just speak religion, he lived like a Christian. At a time in my life when I needed it most, God sent an unusual man to live an example and mentor me in the faith.

As I read Proverbs 19 this morning, one of Billy’s many one-liners came to mind. “You Can’t Outgive God!” Giving our time, talent, and resources to help those who are in need opens the door to the miraculous.

He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord ; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.

Proverbs 19:17 KJV

I’m right…and I know I am right!

Don’t be so convinced that you stop listening to those around you.

Like Mark Twain said, “It ain’t what you don’t know that gets you into trouble it’s what you know for sure that just ain’t so.”

So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.

Job 32:1 KJV

Slow to answer and quick to act.
Most of the time we get this backward!

Why? Most likely ego and pride.

A quick answer can shut down ideas before they can be explored. Ego cannot have a seat at the table. Like Steve Jobs said, “The best ideas must win!”

The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.

Proverbs 15:28 KJV

Money can buy material things.
Money can buy distractions (disguised as happiness).

Money cannot buy passion.
Money cannot buy purpose.

I think you’ll find that your passion and purpose are connected to people.
Why? Because people are the only eternal things on this earth.

Use your wealth to amplify and don’t allow it to interfere.

There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.

Proverbs 13:7 KJV