Proverbs- Thatt Guyy's Lessons

I saw a video on YouTube the other day that tried to convince me to read the Book of Proverbs, because apparently the key to success in life and in business is contained within the Book of Proverbs. 

And so, as a man on a quest to discover the key to unprecedented wealth, health and happiness for my Dollar Success Club community, I went out and bought myself a Bible and read the Book of Proverbs. 

This article contains my findings and lessons learned while reading the Bible, plus some confessions about how I was misguided in my quest for success all along, and what I will now be doing to get myself back on track.

The book of Proverbs was written by King Solomon, who was supposedly the wisest and richest king in the Bible, except for Jesus, of course.

Let's dive in and borrow this wisdom so we can build rich and lasting legacies for ourselves and our families. 

1:7. Fools despise wisdom and instruction. 

If you’re not open to learning, if you think you know it all, you're setting yourself up for failure. Even the best business gurus have coaches and mentors guiding them. As a beginner on a limited budget, books and courses like the Dollar Success Club can play the role of your coach and mentor.

1:32 The complacency of fools destroys them.

Thinking you know everything, or that you know better than everyone else leaves vulnerable to threats. Technology changes all the time, competitors are always scheming and plotting to bring you down, that's why you can't afford to rest on your laurels. You have to keep getting better. 

Remember the saying, "If you're not growing you're dying?"

3: 21 Keep sound wisdom and discretion, and they will be life for your soul.

3:27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. 

If you can help, why wouldn't you be happy to help. If you're blessed to have excess resources and helping won't deplete your resources, then it's the only human thing to do. Help wherever you can. 

 3:30 Do not contend with a man for no reason when he has done you no harm.

Pride is at the heart of this. Showing off for no reason. Proving that you're better than the next guy. Insulting people just because you perceive them to be less than you. 

4:14 Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of the evil. Avoid it.

5:23 He dies for lack of discipline, and because of his great folly he is led astray.

Some of the most talented people fail in life because they lack the discipline to execute. They refuse to put in the work because they think their talent should be enough. But it's not. Talent must be accompanied by discipline and intense work ethic.

6:6 Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest. 

6:9 How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber.

Get up and put in the work. Nothing comes to you without effort on your part. Even winning the lottery requires you to pick 6 numbers and place the bet. If you don't do the work, you won't get the result, you won't be paid.

6:27 Can a man carry fire next to his chest and his clothes not be burned? Or can one walk on coals and his feet not be scorched? So is he who goes to his neighbor's wife.

I guess this is where the phrase "playing with fire" comes from. If you mess with other people's spouses you're inviting trouble. If you're an disloyal spouse, you're inviting trouble.

6:34 For jealousy makes a man furious, and he will not spare when he takes revenge. 

9:8 Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you. 

 This takes us back to the first quote from the Book of Proverbs. Fools hate to be corrected. They think they know it all, that's why they remain fools. Wise men understand that they don't know everything. They are eager to learn and improve. And that's why they succeed.

10:4 A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.

You have to put in the work if you want to be wealthy. Be diligent. Be disciplined. Deliver the results. People pay you for value. 

10:15 A rich man's wealth is his strong city; the poverty of the poor is their ruin.

Money gives you leverage, it gives you advantages that amplify your success. There's a saying that if you have the money to pay for a solution then you don't really have a problem. Find somebody who can handle the problem for you, pay them, and go on to make even more money. 

Whereas if you're poor, you can't do much. Everything requires money these days. If you have no money, you will lag behind significantly. 

Do yourself and your children a favor, get rich. Get money. 

10:19 Whoever restrains his lips is prudent. 

Most people get in trouble because they lose control of their tongue. There's no peace in many homes because people lose control of their tongue. Many children grow up with low self-esteem because their parents, teachers were careless with their tongue. Friendships are lost because people are careless with their words. There is another verse in the Bible that says everything was created through the word. Without the word, nothing can be created. 

So learn to speak life into your life.

10:24 What the wicked dreads will come upon him, but the desire of the righteous will be granted.

I've attended many seminars and taken many courses in which the presenters told us that what you think about you bring about. Some say, "Where attention flows, energy goes." Meaning, you get out of life what you focus on. If you focus on negativity, you will take negative actions, and get negative results. 

If you focus on positivity, you will take positive actions and get positive results. 

11:14 Where there is no guidance, a people perish.

Coaching, mentorship, courses, books... choose the form of guidance that works best for you and ho all in. Associate with progressive people, and they too can be a source of invaluable guidance.

11:15 whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer harm.

This reminds me of what we learned in The Richest Man in Babylon. "If you wish to help your friend, do so in a manner that doesn't bring thy friend's burdens upon thyself. "

Help others without causing harm to yourself.

11:16 A gracious woman gets honor, and violent men get riches.

This is an interesting one for me. Do we have to be violent to be rich? Or maybe they're not referring to physical violence against other humans, but attacking your goals with everything you have, doing everything in your power to gain wealth, and defend your wealth with everything you've got once you have it. I don't know. I'm just guessing. 

11:24 One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. 

This is another interesting paradox. I think in this case, when you give, you are displaying confidence that you have enough and faith that you can acquire more. When you withhold, you're communicating lack of faith, and that's why you lose even that which you have. Remember, earlier we said you get what you focus on; If you focus on having more than enough, you will have more than enough. If you focus on lack and not having enough, you will attract lack into your life?

12:9 Better to be lowly and have a servant than to play the great man and lack bread.

12:11 Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense.

The question of land is a painful issue in South Africa and the entire African continent. But again it points back to the issue of productivity and diligence. Work on something valuable, something that has the potential to grow, and from which you can reap a harvest. Remember, we're all looking for an increase. Plant a few seeds, reap a harvest. Invest a dollar, reap a business. 

12:14 The work of a man's hand comes back to him.

12:24 The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor.

13:7 One pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth

13:11 Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.

13:12 Hope deferred makes a heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.

We all have dreams and goals. We all want to be happy, healthy and wealthy. Sometimes we are willing to put in the work, only problem is that we don't have a roadmap to follow. We've tried to do it on our own and failed miserably. And we eventually give up because we don't see a better way. That's why we created the Dollar Success Club - for people like you who are sick of being slaves but they don't see a way out. Well friends, this is it. And the true beauty of this program is that you don't have to give up your current income to get started. Do it on the side until your side income exceeds your full-time salary.

Check it out here. 

13:18 poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is honored. 

13:20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.

Power of association. Find progressive associates, people who will hold you accountable, and you will see a dramatic improvement in your results. If you associate with losers, you will become a loser too. Who are your friends? What do you talk about when you get together?

13:22 A good man leaves an inheritance for his children. 

And this is what we're working towards - generational wealth. We want to leave a legacy for our children. We want to build businesses that will support our families even after we depart from this world.

13:24 Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him. 

And yet our government discourages us from enforcing discipline in our homes and our schools, and then they wonder why we have so much moral decay in our society. 

Actually, they don't wonder. They know exactly what's going on. They're up to something, and they threaten us into compliance. 

Does our government really care about us?

Stupid question. We know they don't. So the real question is, what are going to do about it?

14:7 Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not meet words of knowledge. 

Go back up and read about association. You become like who you spend the most time with. Spend time with fools, you too will adopt foolish behaviors and mannerisms. 

14:15 The simple believe everything, but the prudent give thought to his steps.

People have hidden agendas. They pretend to care for you, meanwhile, they have ulterior motives. So always be on guard. Always examine situations and figure out the truth of the matter. 

14:20 The poor is disliked even by his neighbor, but the rich has many friends.

No commentary needed. True and straight to the point. Problem though is, how many of these are truly your friends? And how many just want to be close to you so they can share in the advantages your wealth provides? Do not be misled by flattery. Examine the situation to find what is real and true.

14:23 In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.

Maybe not all toil. But more often than not. Put in the work, reap the rewards. Only pay lip service, and you will reap regret.

14:28 In a multitude of people is the glory of the king. But without people, a prince is ruined.

Reminds of John Maxwell's statement. "He who thinks he's a leader but has no one following him is only taking a walk."

To be a leader you have to be able to influence people and inspire them to action.

15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Many divorces have occurred because of this. Many deaths could have been prevented if only people practiced this. Road rage can be greatly reduced if only people learned to practice this kind of restraint. 

15:6 In the house of the righteous there is much treasure, but trouble befalls the income of the wicked. 

Am I wicked? Where's my money?

15:13 A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed.

I remember one of my bosses at a previous company told me I look like I was carrying the weight of the world in my shoulders. Yet he refused to help me when I told him what challenges I was battling. And that's what motivated me to build the Dollar Success Club. Your boss is glad when you have problems because that means you depend on him/her. You can't quit, or else the world of problems you're carrying on your shoulder will become unbearable. 

But the Dollar Success Club gives you options...

it gives you control, while you still have the safety of your full-time job. 

15:22 Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisors they succeed.

16:18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

16:21 ...sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness

16:28 A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends

17:8 A bribe is like a magic stone in the eyes of the one who gives it, wherever he turns he prospers

Now I know why we have so much corruption in the world. Now I know why those who try to earn an honest living take so long to prosper, if they do at all. 

17:10 A rebuke goes deeper into a man of understanding than a hundred blows into a fool 

17:22 A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

17:28 Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise. When he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.

Kinda like the quote that says,

"Better to be quiet and be thought of as a fool,

than to open your mouth and remove all doubt..."

18:2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. 

This is what causes headaches in a lot of relationships - not wanting to listen to the other person - not wanting to serve the other person - only interested in what's in it for you. Selfish behavior causes the destruction of what could have the most beautiful relationships. 

18:6 A fool's lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating. 

18:9 Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys. 

In The Way to Wealth, Benjamin Franklin wrote, "Sloth, like rust, consumes faster than labor wears; while the used key is always bright."

Meaning, you have to work and be productive or risk being rusty, for you will be cast out.

18:16 A man's gift makes room for him and brings him before the great. 

So, how are you using your gifts? Are you adding value to the world around you? Are you even aware what your gifts are and deploying them to the best of your ability?

18:21 Death and life are in the power of a tongue.

I once had a friend who always said, "Speak life into your life. Your tongue casts spells, and you decide whether you will cast spells in your favor or against you."

Watch your mouth, and only speak life into your life. Sh*t happens, no doubt. But it doesn't mean that you have to stand in the street and invite it in.

18:23 The poor use entreaties, but the rich answer roughly.

I've seen this argument on the internet before. When you pray, should you beg and plead, or is it better to speak directly, boldly, and command what you want into existence - demand that your will be done?

19:4 Wealth brings many new friends,

but a poor man is deserted by his friend.

19:6 Many seek the favor of a generous man,

and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts. 

And the opposite of this Proverb is this, "When days are dark, friends are few."

20:5 The purpose in a man's heart is like deep water,

but a man of understanding will draw it out. 

This reminds me of yet another question I've been wrestling with: Does one decide their own purpose or is purpose thrust upon one and they have to rummage around, solve puzzles, answer riddles so that each one's purpose can be revealed to them? Suppose you make the wrong assumption and decide your own purpose, or vice versa, what are the consequences? Is there even a right and wrong?

20:11 Even a child makes himself known by his acts,

by whether his conduct is pure and upright. 

True. I believe what you do more than what you say. People lie, but their actions do not. 

20:13 Love not sleep, lest you come to poverty;

open your eyes and you will have plenty of bread.

Goes back to the issue of productivity. Sloth will make you poor. Productivity may make you healthy, happy and wealthy. 

21:5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance,

but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.

This is how scam artists operate. They mine our greed. They mine our need for instant gratification. They exploit our lack of patience. But if you remember the 5 Laws of Gold from the Richest Man in Babylon, Law 5 says, "Gold flees the man who would force it to impossible earnings or who follows the alluring advice of tricksters and deceivers, or who trusts it to his own inexperience and romantic desires in investment."

21:19 It is better to live in a desert land than in a house

shared with a quarrelsome and fretful woman.

Peace of mind is important. You want a life partner, not a sparring partner. 

21:17 Whosoever loves pleasures will be a poor man;

he who loves wine and oil will not be rich. 

Because while you're partying and having fun you're not working. Not to mention all the money you're wasting on boozing. 

It's not wrong to have fun every so often, so long as your affairs are in order. 

22:3 The prudent sees danger and hides from it,

but the simple go on and suffer for it. 

Funny enough, I was reading Great By Choice before reading these proverbs. In Great By Choice they talk about productive paranoia. 

Here's a direct quote:

"10x leaders exercise productive paranoia,

obsessing about what can go wrong.

They ask questions like:

What is the worst case scenario? 

What are the consequences of the worst case scenario?

Do we have contingencies in place for the worst case scenario? What's the upside and what's the downside of this decision? What's the likelihood of the upside and the downside?

What's out of our control?

How can we minimize our exposure to forces we can't control? "

Always be alert.

22:7 The rich rule over the poor,

and the borrower is the slave of the lender.

So true. It sucks to be poor. 

So what's the solution?

One possible solution is the Dollar Success Club,

which helps you start your own business in your spare time,

without risking your current salary.

Check it out. 

22:26 Be not one of those who give pledges,

who put up security for debts.

Kind of like what we learned in The Richest Man in Babylon: "If you want to help thy friend, do so in a manner that doesn't bring thy friend's burdens upon thyself. "

23:9 Do not speak in the hearing of a fool,

for he will despise the good sense of your word.

23:25 Let your father and mother be glad;

let her who bore you rejoice.

Make your momma proud. Make yourself proud. Make your family proud. Make something valuable of yourself. 

24:27 Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house.

Proper preparation prevents poor performance. Read Great by Choice and you will understand how some of the most successful companies in the world used this power principle to overcome adversity and avoid calamity. 

25:17 Let your foot be seldom in your neighbors house, lest he have his fill of you and hate you.

25:21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. 

26:11 Like a dog who returns to his vomit, so is a fool who repeats his folly.

 27:2 Let another praise you, and not your own mouth.

27:7 One who is full loathes honey.

But to one who is hungry, everything bitter is sweet.

This is the problem with desperation - This is the problem with poverty. People will easily manipulate you and cheat you because they know you can't survive without them. You will take whatever crap they give you because you have no other choice. Having your own money on the other hand helps you negotiate better because you're not afraid to walk away. 

That's why these people want to keep us poor, because we'll be desperate and accept anything. If we had our own money, the odds would be stacked in our favor.

27:17 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. 

That's why mastermind groups and supportive communities are important. Life can get difficult, and we need an empowering brotherhood to turn to so we can be better equipped to deal with the challenges of life.

28:19 Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.

29:17 Discipline your son and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart.

31:6 Give a strong drink to one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress; let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more.

In South Africa we seem to be living this verse - we've taken it to heart. Drinking and doping ourselves so we can forget our sorrows. But what happens the next morning when you become sober and you're left with nothing but a throbbing headache? Have you really solved anything?

So what's a more permanent solution?

What's an empowering solution?

What's a productive solution?

Download the associated workbook—your step-by-step guide

to applying the best business lessons, building confidence through results, and creating a business that works for you.

Download Your Free Workbook Here