Marketplace Proverbs and Coffee with Ernie-A Proverb Per Day Keeps Stinking Thinking At Bay

Let’s talk about conflict for a second… Most people think conflict comes from big moments. It doesn’t. It usually starts with something small—a comment, a tone, a quick reaction, or even something said behind the scenes.

Proverbs 18 says our words don’t just reflect conflict, they create it.

And if we’re frank, we’ve all been on both sides of that.

So here’s the question: Are your words building clarity, or quietly creating tension you’ll have to deal with later?

You’ve probably heard it before…

“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”—Jim Rohn

But what if it’s bigger than that? Proverbs 15 reminds us that plans succeed with many advisers. But here’s the catch: not all voices are equal. And some are louder than others. Family. Friends. Workplace. Faith. Media.They’re all speaking every day.

So here’s the real question: Are you choosing those voices intentionally or just letting them shape you by default?

Take a look around the marketplace today. Why does it feel like people are becoming… numbers? Transactions. Metrics. Outcomes. Somewhere along the way, we stopped seeing people and started seeing opportunities even worse we view customers as an ATM (remember the old Cash Cow concept)

Proverbs 14 makes it clear—how we treat people isn’t just business, it’s spiritual.

I remember reading Peter Drucker talk about “moral numbness.”And I thought… yeah, I’ve seen that. So here’s the question: Have you built a little bit of a hardshell to our shifting culture just to keep up?

Let’s be transparent for a minute. Do you keep showing up, doing the work, saying the right things, but inside, something just feels off? Not broken. Not quitting. Just… not fully alive.

Proverbs 13 says hope deferred makes the heart sick. And that doesn’t happen overnight. It’s subtle. Quiet. Gradual. I’ve seen it in the marketplace… and I’ve seen it in the guy in the mirror.

So here’s the question: Are you thriving right now or just learning how to function on empty? AKA surviving?

This episode is a little different…

It’s more of a “by the way” conversation.I’m just going to bear my soul for a few minutes…hoping maybe something I’m walking throughmight bless you in something you’re walking through.

Have you ever asked yourself…What am I doing?Why am I doing it?

And maybe even wondered…Is this really from God… or is this just something I want to be true?

I am being transparent with you; humility isn’t one of my strongest attributes. And if we’re being real, it’s probably a struggle for more of us than we’d like to admit.

Proverbs 11:2 draws a clear line—Pride leads one way… humility leads another.

Today, my friend Ron Price joins me, and we don’t come to you as experts on humility. We come as students. Because humility isn’t something we achieve once—It’s something we choose over and over again. And that choice has everything to do with the kind of person we become.

How often have you said “yes” to what seemed like a great opportunity, only to realize later it might not have been the best choice?

I have. And I can tell you those decisions usually didn’t come from wisdom.They came from pressure or anxiety.

Proverbs 8 reminds us that wisdom isn’t automatic.It’s something we pursue and something we listen for. Because not every open door is meant for you to walk through. So maybe the better question is this: Are you chasing opportunity or are you seeking discernment?

Not every bad decision looks bad at the beginning. In fact, most of them sound reasonable, they feel justified, and they usually come wrapped in opportunity.

Proverbs 7 doesn’t warn us about obvious failure.It warns us about subtle seduction.

“Stick close to my instruction, my son, and follow all my advice. If you do what I say you will live well. Guard your life with my revelation-truth, for my teaching is as precious as your eyesight. Treasure my instructions, and cherish them within your heart. Say to wisdom, “I love you,” and to understanding, “You’re my sweetheart.” “May the two of you protect me, and may we never be apart!” For they will keep you from the adulteress, with her smooth words meant to seduce your heart.” Proverbs 7:1-5 TPT (The Passion Translation)

In the marketplace, that can look like closing the deal at any cost, saying what needs to be said, and fixing it later. I’ve seen it. I’ve felt it.And if we’re frank and transparent, we’ve all been close to it.

So here’s the question: Are you building trust or just winning in the moment?

Do you need someone to check on you to help you perform at your best? Or have you figured out how to show up prepared even when no one is watching? Proverbs 6 directs us to one of the smallest teachers in the Bible—the ant.

“When you’re feeling lazy, come and learn a lesson from this tale of the tiny ant. Yes, all you lazybones, come learn from the example of the ant and enter into wisdom. The ants have no chief, no boss, no manager— no one has to tell them what to do. You’ll see them working and toiling all summer long, stockpiling their food in preparation for winter.” Proverbs 6:6-8 TPT

No boss. No manager. No reminders. And yet it prepares, produces, and stays consistent. In today’s marketplace, it’s easy to stay busy but still be unprepared.

So here’s the question: Are you waiting to be managed or are you leading yourself first?

Proverbs 5 — Commitment

Not everything that sounds good… is good. In fact, some of the most dangerous decisions we make don’t feel wrong in the moment. They feel justified, deserved, and even feel productive.

Proverbs 5 talks about “honey” that turns bitter.

“The words of an immoral woman may be as sweet as honey and as smooth as olive oil. But all that you really get from being with her is bitter poison and pain. If you follow her, she will lead you down to the world of the dead. She has missed the path that leads to life and doesn't even know it. Proverbs 5:3-6 CEV

And in today’s marketplace, that honey shows up in a lot of ways—shortcuts, compromise, and the pursuit of the next win at any cost. I’ve been there… more than once. So here’s the real question…What are you slowly trading away…for something that won’t last?