Marketplace Proverbs and Coffee with Ernie

Sometimes the greatest threat to our lives doesn’t climb over the wall… it walks straight through the gate we leave unguarded. Proverbs 11:10–11 paints a clear picture--When the righteous thrive, whole communities rejoice. But when integrity falls, the city crumbles from within. In today's episode, I share an issue with the Great Wall of China. That wall didn’t fail in 1449 because the enemy scale...

🎙️ New Episode:– Proverbs 10:20 “ The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value.” Proverbs 10:20 NIV Righteous words carry weight. Not because they’re fancy—but because they’re grounded in truth, humility, and integrity. In today’s episode, I reflect on the difference between manipulative messaging and meaningful communication, using real-world exampl...

In today’s episode, I reflect on a painful business lesson—where silence, secrecy, and short-term thinking cost a once-strong partnership. I’m not casting blame. I’m sharing it as a reminder that wisdom without integrity leads to erosion, not excellence. 🎯 True Customer Success Mastery™ multiplies when we lead and walk in righteousness. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this...

📖 “Mark a life of discipline and live wisely… when you find me, you find life.” — Proverbs 8:32 In today’s episode, I share a hard-earned lesson from a last-minute sales push that exposed more panic than preparation. It taught me something I never forgot: wisdom builds deeper than the deadline. 🛠 Learn how to serve from wisdom—not ego—and raise your Key Partnerships Indicator with faithfulness ov...

“For the lips of the adulterous woman drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil.” Proverbs 5:3 (NIV) At first, the sound seemed delightful, like a sweet melody. But soon, the distortion crept in, reminding us gently of how deception can slip in unnoticed. Proverbs 5 isn’t just about adultery; it’s about being tempted by what appears clear and true. Usually, the enemy doesn’t come with outrig...

The brighter path isn’t hurried; it’s unveiled, one aligned step at a time, especially when we rely on A GPS that’s always on target. Today, we’re in Proverbs 4:18 because it’s the 4th day of the month. “The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.” Proverbs 4:18 (NIV) Today, I am sharing from Marketplace Proverbs, Vol. 4. God’s Perfect Syste...

We can convey the right message with the wrong tone and lose the entire point. We’re in Proverbs 3:3-4 because it’s the 3rd day of the month. “Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people.” Proverbs 3:3-4 (NLT ) Today, I am sharing from Marketplace Proverbs, Vol. 5. God’s Inte...

Welcome to Marketplace Proverbs and Coffee with Ernie, Where a Proverb a Day Keeps Stinking Thinking at Bay™. Each episode follows the S.O.A.P. Concept: Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. 📡 “For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” — Proverbs 2:6 In today’s episode, we explore what it really means to stay connected to the Source. Your credentials...

🗺️ “ Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.” — Proverbs 1:5 In today’s episode, I reflect on the marketplace power of listening, learning, and seeking counsel before taking action. The best leaders I’ve known didn’t talk first—they listened first. 🚦 When you start with humility and teachability, your path to significance becomes clear. We never graduat...

Exercising the Gratitude Muscle 🦃☕ Every November, we pull out the pumpkin pie, the family recipes, and—if we’re honest—the gratitude list. But I’ve learned that gratitude isn’t meant to be seasonal. It’s not something we pull out like a casserole dish once a year. It’s more like a muscle. The more we use it, the stronger it gets. The less we use it, the weaker it becomes. Author Scott Savage co...

📖 “A person who promises a gift but doesn’t give it is like clouds and wind that bring no rain.” Proverbs 25:14 James Brown, the Godfather of Soul, said it best: “Just talking loud and saying nothing.” Proverbs 25 reminds us: Don’t be the cloud that promises rain but delivers nothing. Let your words carry empathy, follow-through, and value. Customer Success Code: "Empty promises are like thunder...

Proverbs 24:3–5 talks about building a house, but for this chapter, think of that “house” as your life’s journey, your daily walk, both personally and professionally. The life we live is the house we build and inhabit, the course we chart. A house is built by wisdom, and it is established by understanding; by knowledge, the rooms are filled with every precious and beautiful treasure.” Proverbs 24:...

“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” Proverbs 21:5 (ESV) “It’s not the will to win that matters—everyone has that. It’s the will to prepare to win that matters.” Paul “Bear” Bryant, University of Alabama Football Coach Over the years, I’ve set many goals. Honestly, I’ve achieved far fewer than I intended—not because the goals were w...

“ Knowing what is right is like deep water in the heart; a wise person draws from the well within. Lots of people claim to be loyal and loving, but where on earth can you find one? God-loyal people, living honest lives make it much easier for their children.” — Proverbs 20:5-7 MSG. This passage relates “children” to the teams and customers we lead. Strong evidence of God-loyal behavior and genuine...

Today’s Proverb reminds us that speed without wisdom leads to regret. We reflect on the cost of impulsive decisions—and the peace that comes when we invite God into the process first. “Desire without knowledge is not good—how much more will hasty feet miss the way!”Proverbs 19:2—NIV If you’re facing a decision today—big or small—this one’s for you. Customer Success Code: “Speed without wisdom is e...

The words of a fool start fights; do him a favor and gag him. Fools are undone by their big mouths; their souls are crushed by their words. Listening to gossip is like eating cheap candy. Do you want junk like that in your belly?”- Proverbs 18:6–8 — MSG Gossip feels good in the moment—but it costs you more than you think. In today’s episode, I share a personal story about how gossip once impacted...

“ Silver and gold are tested by flames of fire; our thoughts are tested by the Lord.” Proverbs 17:3 CEV There’s a difference between being tested and being punished. Punishment looks backward; testing looks forward. Punishment condemns. Testing refines. Just as silver and gold require intense heat to reveal their purity, God uses life’s pressures to refine our motives, attitudes, and reactions. Re...

“There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.”—Proverbs 14:12 Not all decisions that feel right lead to significance. Some just lead to survival… and others lead to burnout. In today’s episode of Marketplace Proverbs and Coffee with Ernie™, we explore the modern-day “Moloch” that demands we sacrifice integrity to stay competitive—and how to follow God’s GPS instead. T...

In this episode, we talk about the power of prayerful presentations, why I stopped trusting transactional phrasing, and how to let the Holy Spirit guide your communication. Thanks for listening to Marketplace Proverbs & Coffee With Ernie! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to...

“Good people are like trees with deep roots…” Proverbs 12:12 Want deeper influence? It starts with smaller acts. In today’s episode, I share a story my co-author Jon Kluiter told me—about how polishing helmets led to a major account. But it wasn’t the polish. It was the posture of humility that made the difference. Let’s talk about how simple, selfless actions can plant seeds that grow into relati...

“ Where there is no counsel, the people fall… but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” Proverbs 11:14 Even the strongest leaders need guidance. The question is—are you choosing your counselors wisely? In today’s episode, I walk through 8 essential qualities of a righteous counselor and show you how to prayerfully identify the right people to speak into your leadership, your business, a...

🪨 “Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.” — Proverbs 10:12 Life and business drop rocks in our path—misunderstandings, betrayals, missed opportunities. We pick them up to protect ourselves… but end up weighed down. In today’s episode, I share how holding onto emotional “rocks” clouds our clarity, slows our progress, and blocks the wisdom of God’s GPS. 🎯 Let love lighten your...

💡 “ Guard my teachings as the apple of your eye… they will keep you from seductive words.” — Proverbs 7:1–5 In today’s longer episode, we explore how Gospel-Centered Customer Success Mastery™ equips us to stay anchored in truth—despite all the noise and temptation of modern leadership. 📖 Discover the GOSPEL acrostic and how it reframes your purpose: Gracious. Obedient. Steward. Prayerful. Engage...

🔥 “ These six things the Lord hates… and one who sows discord among brethren.” — Proverbs 6:16-19 In today’s episode, we contrast the destructive habits God despises with the steward leadership He honors. I walk you through Peter’s four roles of a Gospel-centered leader and share a personal prayer of repentance, legacy, and significance. 📖 Shepherd. Coach. Steward. Example. That’s the life of a...

🔥 “ These six things the Lord hates… and one who sows discord among brethren.” — Proverbs 6:16-19 In today’s episode, we contrast the destructive habits God despises with the steward leadership He honors. I walk you through Peter’s four roles of a Gospel-centered leader and share a personal prayer of repentance, legacy, and significance. 📖 Shepherd. Coach. Steward. Example. That’s the life of a...