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Character Matters
We generally evaluate a plan according to its merits, not on the basis of the character of the planner. Why does a planner’s character make a difference?
Solomon observed that “duplicity”—deceitfulness or “double dealing”—actually leads to destruction. One obvious example was the Houston-based Energy company Enron. Their scandal unfolded in October 2001, leading not only to the bankruptcy of Enron but also the dissolution of Arthur Andersen—one of the five largest audit and accountancy partnerships in the world.
Formed in 1985, Enron developed a staff of executives that – by the use of accounting loopholes, special purpose entities, and poor financial reporting – were able to hide billions of dollars in debt from failed deals and projects. Enron’s executives not only misled Enron’s Board of Directors and Audit Committee on high-risk accounting practices, but also pressured Arthur Andersen to ignore the issues. As Proverbs 11:3 points out, they were ultimately “destroyed by their duplicity.”
Planning without Execution is Pointless
A good plan—in and of itself—is necessary, but not sufficient, for your success. You have to diligently pursue the plan. Consider what Larry Bossidy and Ram Charan offered in their book Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done.
Planning on Your Own is Also Pointless
An atheist could profitably apply the proverbs of Solomon so far. However, he is quick to point out the importance of a divine dimension to the plans we make. He says, “The Lord establishes our steps” –
When God does not establish our steps, we can easily take the wrong turn –
God provides the safety we need –
Finally, we recognize that we really don’t know what tomorrow brings. Garth Brooks’ song “If Tomorrow Never Comes” puts it this way:
If tomorrow never comes
Will she know how much I loved her
Did I try in every way to show her every day
That she’s my only one
And if my time on earth were through
And she must face this world without me
Is the love I gave her in the past
Gonna be enough to last
If tomorrow never comes
So tell that someone that you love
Just what you’re thinking of
If tomorrow never comes
