Marketplace Proverbs and Coffee with Ernie

Proverbs 27-17: Iron Sharpens Iron. Today, Brent Marriott, a seasoned executive in the wireless telephone industry, warmly shares how his own 'iron' was sharpened and the ways he happily helps sharpen others. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit marketplaceproverbs.substack.com

The Most Dangerous Competitor You’ll Ever Face Isn’t Human In sales, leadership, and the marketplace, we often think our biggest competition is the company two aisles over at the trade show. But for many of us, the real enemy is the status quo—and its parent, the comfort zone monster. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes...

In the marketplace, have you ever felt the pressure to promote yourself… to prove your value… to make sure people notice your accomplishments? Proverbs 25 gives us a surprising piece of wisdom: “ Don’t boast about yourself before the king… it is better for him to say, ‘Come up here,’ than to demote you in front of others.” In other words, wisdom doesn’t chase recognition. It earns it. This is a pu...

Have you ever done business with someone who looked perfect on paper… but deep down, something just didn’t feel right? Today, our focus is Proverbs 24:1 because it’s the 24th day of the month. “Do not envy the wicked, do not desire their company, for their hearts plot violence, and their lips talk about making trouble.” — Proverbs 24:1 NIV. I share an experience that my friend and co-author, Jon K...

There is a difference between punishment and discipline. Today, Ron Price and I discuss the difference based on Proverbs 23 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit marketplaceproverbs.substack.com

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. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit marketplaceproverbs.substack.com

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. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit marketplaceproverbs.substack.com

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. This is a public episode. If...

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 r...

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. This is a public episode. I...

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. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit marketplaceproverbs.substack.com

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. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit marketplaceproverbs.substack.com

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 whe...

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. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit marketplaceproverbs.substack.com

The wisest people aren’t the smartest in the room—they’re the most attentive to God. Today, we’re in Proverbs 9:1-6  because it’s the 9th day of the month. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit marketplaceproverbs.substack.com

If ants can prepare for the future without being told, what excuse do we have? Today, we’re in Proverbs 6:6-11 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit marketplaceproverbs.substack.com

Not every voice deserves airtime. Some messages sound smooth but distort the truth underneath. Can you tell the difference between clarity and counterfeit?”  Today, we’re in Proverbs 5:3 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit marketplaceproverbs.substack.com

Have you ever met someone who seems energized by cutting corners… almost driven to push the line? Proverbs 4:14-16 says, “Don’t even step onto that path. Avoid it. Turn away. Pass on.” That’s not subtle. Because some roads in business don’t just damage your reputation — they rob your peace. There are people who can’t sleep unless they’ve stirred up trouble. So today, which path are you walking? Th...

Trust the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. Our special guest Ken Fuente, a 40 year friend shares how he applies Proverbs 3:4-5 in his every day ordinary walking around life in and outside the marketplace This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit marketplaceproverbs.substack.com

“For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”Proverbs 2:6—NIV Every GPS system relies on a source. Without satellite signals—and location services enabled—your map app is just a blank screen. It might look ready, but without a connection, it’s going nowhere. The same principle applies in the marketplace. We can have credentials, connections, and years of experience....

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...

It’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 wou...

“Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the good sense of your words.” — Proverbs 23:9 ESV You can have the best seed, the best tools, and the best intentions—but if the soil isn’t ready, nothing will grow. In business and in life, discernment saves you from wasting energy where it can’t produce a return. In this episode, Ernie shares how to discern when to plant, when to move...