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

There is a difference between punishment and discipline. Today, Ron Price and I discuss the difference based on Proverbs 23

When the market shakes or a mistake is made, one thing will carry you forward—relationship equity. Today, we’re in Proverbs 20:28 because it’s the 20th day of the month.

If you want to grow your business, your impact, and your legacy… the real question isn’t, “What do I know?” but “Who am I listening to?” Today, we’re in Proverbs 19:20— because it’s the 19th day of the month.

Have you ever jumped in with an answer… Only to realize later that you hadn’t even fully heard the question?

I’ve been there. In meetings, I’ve spoken too soon—offering solutions I thought were brilliant—until I realized I was solving the wrong problem… because I hadn’t taken time to listen first. Today, we’re in Proverbs 18:13— because it’s the 18th day of the month.

In the marketplace, have you ever noticed that the wisest person in the room is often the one talking the least?

Proverbs 17 says, “A truly wise person uses few words… even fools are thought wise when they keep silent.”

That’s a powerful reminder for leaders, sales professionals, and anyone serving customers.

Sometimes wisdom isn’t about saying more — it’s about listening more… pausing more… and responding with clarity instead of noise.

Today, my guest, Chris Shrader, and I are going to explore why restraint in our words can reveal the depth of our wisdom.

In the marketplace, have you ever seen success quietly turn into ego?

Proverbs 16:18 warns us: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”

That’s why one of the biggest leadership battles isn’t talent — it’s ego.

In Marketplace Proverbs, I often say the opposite of ego is humility.

And humility is what keeps success from becoming your downfall.

What if the words you speak could turn a shaky sales pitch into a lifelong customer relationship? Today, on the 13th day of the month, we dive into Proverbs 13:3 to uncover the power of careful words—and who truly guides them.

Influence doesn’t happen by accident—it grows from seeds of selfless action. We’re in Proverbs 12:12  because it’s the 12th day of the month.

When you’re facing a major business decision, who’s speaking into it?

Proverbs 11:14 says, “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.”

Now, my guest, Neal Pomerantz, Executive VP of George's Music, makes an important distinction — this verse says nation, not company. But the principle still applies.

Isolation weakens leadership. Counsel strengthens it.

And when the stakes are high, wise leaders don’t guess — they gather guidance.

So the question is:

Who’s advising you before you decide?

What you repeat compounds. The only question is: Are you compounding growth—or drift? Today, we’re in Proverbs 10:4  because it’s the 10th day of the month.