Solomon writes of safety, peace, and restful sleep.

Jesus says: “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves.”— Matthew 10:16 ESV

That sounds anything but safe. Sheep are not intimidating animals. They are vulnerable, dependent, and easily harmed. Wolves, on the other hand, are predators. They stalk, isolate, and attack weakness. Yet Jesus sends His followers out anyway. That tension fascinates me. Let’s discuss it on today’s episode.

What if the most sought-after letters after a person’s name weren’t MD, MA, MBA, or PhD? What if they were simply: DM. Disciple Maker.

We live in a culture that highly values credentials, certifications, titles, and accomplishments. There’s nothing inherently wrong with education or professional achievement. I’ve spent nearly sixty years in the marketplace surrounded by highly talented, highly credentialed people. Credentials can open doors. Titles can create opportunity. Education can sharpen skills. But I’ve learned something through the years. Letters after our name may impress people. But transformed lives impact eternity.

Scripture

“My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding.”— Proverbs 2:1–3 NLT

Jon Kluiter, my friend and co-author of Marketplace Proverbs Vol. 1 and 2, joins me today to discuss the classic movie Glengarry Glen Ross.

I bet you know people who are nearly impossible to replace. They may not be the loudest. or have the fanciest title. They may not even earn the highest salary. Yet when they leave an organization or team, everyone feels the difference. Why? Because, from my perspective, some people consistently bring more value and add significance than what is merely required. They do more than expected, and they serve beyond minimum standards. They go the extra mile. They give what I like to call nine hours for eight. “Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer.—Proverbs 30:25 NIV

Have you ever noticed that two people—or two organizations—can experience the exact same event and end up with completely different outcomes? Same challenge. Same pressure. Same disruption. Different outcome. Why? Because events alone rarely determine outcomes. Response matters.

Today, we will unpack Dr. Robert Resnick’s formula, E + R = O, popularized by Jack Canfield and Kent Julian.

“Stupid people express their anger openly, but sensible people are patient and hold it back.” Proverbs 29:11 GNT

Have you noticed how success can quietly change us? Not always dramatically. Not overnight, it’s usually gradual. A promotion here. Recognition there. A bigger title. A larger office. More influence. More people are listening and agreeing. If we’re not careful, something subtle begins to happen. We started serving the mission, then somewhere along the way, we began expecting the mission to serve us.

“The lazy fool claims to be smarter than seven men who can answer sensibly.”— Proverbs 26:16 MSG

The things causing the greatest damage in our lives are not always the obvious big things. Rarely does a vineyard fail because of one dramatic catastrophe. More often, damage begins quietly. Subtly, incrementally, one small intrusion at a time, a little neglect, a little compromise, a little resentment, a little cynicism, a little offense, a little drift. Before long, something once healthy and fruitful begins producing sour grapes. And nobody likes sour grapes.

“Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.”— Proverbs 25:28 NIV

“Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom.”— Song of Solomon 2:15 NIV

Does life rarely ask permission before disrupting your plans? Storms don’t check our calendars. Setbacks don’t schedule appointments. Problems rarely arrive at convenient times. Sometimes life knocks us down without warning.

The real question is not whether we will face setbacks. The real question is: What happens after we fall?

“For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again…”— Proverbs 24:16 NIV

Why do people often form an impression of us before we say a single word? Before the presentation begins, before the sales pitch, before the meeting starts, or before we even introduce ourselves. I believe something is already being communicated. Our presence speaks, our posture speaks, our facial expressions speak, and our tone speaks. Long before customers fully evaluate our words, they are often evaluating us. That’s why communication is about far more than vocabulary. Sometimes what people see speaks louder than what we say.

“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.”— Proverbs 23:7 NKJV

The Lion in the Street

Have you ever convinced yourself not to do something you knew was good for you? It’s not because it was impossible, dangerous, or because God told you not to. Sometimes, your mind just finds a very convincing reason. Over the years, I’ve learned that my mind is incredibly good at coming up with reasons to justify what my heart already desires. This insightful point is exactly what Solomon warns us about in Proverbs 22. excuse.

Scripture

“The sluggard says, ‘There is a lion outside! I shall be killed in the streets!”— Proverbs 22:13 ESV