"Some guys are just lucky, I guess."

Not according to Solomon:

"He whose walk is blameless is kept safe, but he whose ways are perverse will suddenly fall." (Proverbs 28:18)

Bill is a sincere, and plodding hard worker, who in his school days never made an athletic team or served on student government. Today, he heads the second largest accounting firm in town and is known for his integrity and godliness.

Richard exploded onto the business scene some years ago, highly leveraging other people's money in the volatile property development business. "It's God's blessing," I was informed. Today, he faces 42 lawsuits, the bank has foreclosed on his upscale estate, and he and his wife split a duplex with relatives.

"He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty." (Proverbs 28:19)

Dan is a high school graduate, who met Christ while in the military. Upon discharge, he went to work as a farm hand for a widowed woman. After years of diligent service, the lady bequeathed her sizable holdings to Dan. Over these many years he and his wife have substantially impacted scores of students for Christ at a nearby private university for the rich and famous, while faithfully tilling their land.

Gene inherited a sizable business from his father, and within a decade managed to reduce it to red ink. Recently over lunch, he excitedly spoke of an enterprise half way around the world that would soon make him rich. "It is God's will," he disclosed to me. Meanwhile, his wife struggles to feed and clothe their children.

"A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished." (Proverbs 28:20)

Sheldon grew up in foster homes, too poor to attend college. At age 21 he met Christ and taught himself the machine repair business. Successful in business, Sheldon and his wife choose to live on a portion of his income, giving the remainder to missions. On the side, he raises millions for the Gospel.

Forrest is actively involved in his church, while chronically struggling to meet his financial obligations. Every bit the executive — if appearances were the determinant — Forrest maintains a posh office, waiting for "The Break". Meanwhile he declines employment opportunities that offer modest, but steady income.

QUESTION: In dealing with our own, or others' rationalizations, are we willing to get down to gut issues, calling a spade a spade? If not, what do you think are the long term consequences?