Marketplace Proverbs and Coffee with Ernie

Rebukes, Respect, and the Gift of Being Corrected “My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.”—Proverbs 3:11-12 (NIV) When’s the last time you were corrected—really corrected? This episode tells the story of an 18-year-old receiving grace-filled discipline from a Christian business own...

What’s cluttering your mental dashboard today? Join me for a powerful shift—from negative thoughts to righteous thinking. I’ll share lessons from Zig Ziglar, a message from Pastor Chan Mitchell in Morganton, GA, and the Proverbs that continue to guide how we lead, live, and serve. 🎯 Customer Success Code: Values without virtues are barren—and they won’t pass the audit of eternity . ✍️ Apply the “...

Before checking your email or jumping into the next task… ask yourself: What would change if you started with God today? This episode kicks off the month with wisdom from Proverbs 1:7 and a reminder that micro decisions—rooted in God’s wisdom—can lead to macro influence. We’ll unpack the power of a God-listening heart, and I’ll share how my daily T.A.P. List keeps me anchored in purpose and servic...

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.” – Proverbs 31:30 (ESV) We’re all wearing a sign today—whether we realize it or not. The question is: does it invite people in, or push them away? Billboards don’t just sit along the roadside anymore—they flash, rotate, and compete for our attention. But in a way, we’re all walking billboards, silently communi...

Some of the costliest mistakes aren’t what we failed to say—but what we couldn’t stop saying. “Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them.” — Proverbs 29:20 NIV Jon’s Experience Early in his career, my co-author and friend Jon Klutier struggled to read the room. Once he started his pitch, he kept rolling—ignoring body language and burning through air like a...

We all like to think we make decisions based on wisdom and principle. But when ego, pressure, and outside voices get louder than God’s, even seasoned leaders can stumble. Proverbs 28:26 — When the Trinity of Me, Myself, and I Takes Over “ Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.” — Proverbs 28:26 This verse stings because I’ve lived it. And the cost w...

Sometimes, the most important call you make is the one you weren’t planning . Proverbs 27 reminds us to “know the condition of your flock,” and in this episode, I share how acting on the Holy Spirit’s promptings—whether through a call, a handwritten note, or a prayer—can transform relationships from transactional to truly celebrated. “Know well the condition of your flock, and pay attention to you...

In sales, leadership, and the marketplace, we often think our biggest competition is the company down the street. But for many of us, the real enemy is the status quo—and its parent, the comfort zone monster. When Flattery Hides Danger “ Your enemy shakes hands and greets you like an old friend, all the while conniving against you. When he speaks warmly to you, don’t believe him for a minute; he’s...

I used to chase the spotlight. Awards, applause, and recognition fueled me, but they also drained me. Proverbs 25:6-7 flipped my perspective on leadership and success, showing me that the most valuable KPI isn’t on a spreadsheet. In this episode, I share the story of how I moved from ego-driven (Edging God Out) striving to quiet strength and why my goal now is to finish every season of life saying...

t’s easy to chase what shines and miss what matters. Proverbs 24:27 reminds us to plant fields before building barns—to put the work of serving others ahead of building our own comfort. In this episode, I share why the sequence matters, how “shiny objects” can derail our mission, and how choosing significance over success changes everything in the marketplace. This is a public episode. If you woul...

This verse links three truths: humility, reverence for God, and the reward that follows. In the marketplace, that path doesn’t run through ego or self-promotion—it runs through meekness. But meekness is often misunderstood. It’s not passive. It’s not a pushover mentality. Biblical meekness is strength—your ability, authority, and confidence—submitted to God’s control. It’s the choice to lead with...

There’s a difference between being meek and being weak. In business, people often mistake meekness for weakness. But in God’s economy, meekness is one of the most powerful leadership traits we can have—because it’s power under control. “The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.” — Proverbs 22:4 ESV Ernie learned that lesson the hard way during a customer visit that...

A Goal Without a Plan Is Just a Wish! Wishing gets you nowhere in the marketplace—or in life. Wishing gets you nowhere in the marketplace—or in life. Diligence turns vision into results. And Scripture makes it clear: a plan submitted to God’s direction will take you further than hustle alone ever could. Today’s Scripture focus: “Careful planning puts you ahead in the long run; hurry and scurry put...

Have you ever missed out on a golden opportunity because you didn’t slow down enough to notice it? I have. And the truth is, sometimes the person I overlook has exactly what I need, if I’d just take the time to value them. Today’s verse is Proverbs 20:29 in the NIV: “The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old. ” This is a public episode. If you would like to discus...

Over time, I’ve learned that attitude and work ethic will take you further than ability alone ever will. I’m not the brightest bulb on the tree—but I’m always on. I show up, stay committed, and push through. Even the most gifted people must put in the work. Picasso’s genius wasn’t ego—it was effort. My success metrics are simple: “ Customer Success is my path, adding significance to others is my p...

What if the problem in your next meeting isn’t the facts, but the framework? Today, we’ll talk about why understanding perspectives is more than good manners—it’s a marketplace advantage with a ripple effect you can’t ignore.. Today, our focus is Proverbs 18:17 because it’s the 18th day of the month. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access t...

What if I told you that happiness isn’t just a feeling—it’s a competitive advantage? It can open doors, build trust, and keep you energized in ways talent alone never will. Today, I’ll tell you why I believe happiness belongs on your business scoreboard. Welcome to Marketplace Proverbs and Coffee with Ernie™ — where a Proverb a day keeps stinking thinking away. I’m Ernie Lansford, here to help you...

Life throws stuff at us that we can’t control. But how we respond—that’s what shapes our influence. Every reaction, every word, every tone either builds or breaks trust. And if we’re jostled, what spills out is what was already there. Please list to the podcast for my explanation. Today’s Podcast Episode comes from Marketplace Proverbs Vol 1, A Sales Navigator’s Compass to Customer Success Mastery...

Anger is that unpleasant feeling of ill will we carry toward others, sometimes silently, sometimes explosively. I admit it: I’ve experienced anger at times. Have you? Is there someone from your past who still evokes that tightness when their name comes up? Do you replay old wounds that fuel resentment? When we dwell on past offenses, we throw fuel onto smoldering coals. Eventually, those coals fla...

Pride Blinds. Humility Builds. Pride can make us deaf. Deaf to wise counsel. Deaf to warning signs. Deaf to the very people we’re called to serve. Humility, on the other hand, opens our ears, clears our vision, and builds bridges that pride would have burned. Today, our focus is Proverbs 13:10 because it’s the 13th day of the month. Today, I am speaking from chapter 13 of Marketplace Proverbs Vol...

Welcome to Marketplace Proverbs and Coffee with Ernie™ — where a Proverb a day keeps stinking thinking away. I’m Ernie Lansford, helping you connect biblical wisdom to everyday marketplace decisions so you can build relationships that outlast any transaction. Here, we bring timeless biblical truth into the marketplace, where influence is real, choices are constant, and relationships matter more th...

Reflecting on nearly 60 years in the marketplace, where I have worked as a personal production territory sales representative, team leader, and in senior VP leadership positions, as a sales coach, business development consultant, writer, and now podcast host, I see it clearly: I unknowingly brought on a silent helper and partner. It didn’t get a W-2, 1099, or owner's draw. No paperwork, no I-9, no...

Today, we discuss Wisdom’s Call to Influence from Proverbs 8:1-8 “Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice? At the highest point along the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand; beside the gate leading into the city, at the entrance, she cries aloud: “To you, O people, I call out; I raise my voice to all mankind. You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are fooli...

So, how does Proverbs 7 apply to marketplace ministry? Easy, avoid the appearance of promiscuous business. Business is serious, but enjoyable at the same time. Playing loose with pricing, procedures, and processes to secure a transaction, in my opinion, is akin to displaying wanton behavior. Making a ‘deal’ with new or temporary customers outside stated pricing with loyal, committed existing custo...

Let’s be frank—there’s a whole lot of slick talk in the marketplace. We’ve all seen it. People who look the part, say the right things, even “wink and nod” their way through transactions. But behind the scenes? Fingers crossed. Corners cut. Truth twisted. Their success is smoke and mirrors, and Proverbs 6 tells us exactly where that path leads: catastrophe. We live in a culture that often praises...