Guest

Herbert Addison Burns (Herb) - Faith-based business consultant and former prison chaplain from Northeast Ohio who helps business owners align their practices with biblical principles.

Episode Summary

In this episode, Simon welcomes Herb Burns to discuss how to run a business according to Holy Scripture. Herb shares practical wisdom on integrating biblical principles into everyday business decisions, from employee relations to financial practices. The conversation covers meditation on Scripture, dealing with grief through faith, breaking worldly business habits, and finding God's guidance in both personal and professional challenges.

Key Topics Discussed

Scripture Retention & Meditation

1. Practical tip: Cut out distractions (turn off the radio) to focus on the Holy Spirit
2. Psalm 1:2
3. The power of meditating on God's word day and night
4. Don't just read Scripture—digest it and allow it to enter your inner being
5. Meditation removes anxiety, stress, and lower emotions

Personal Journey: Faith Through Loss

1. Herb shares his experience losing his youngest son nearly three years ago
2. Joshua 1:9
3. God's promise of strength and courage through challenges
4. The story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 5) and remembering the positive
5. Turning to God for strength in both personal life AND business

Common Business Pitfalls

Habits and Traditions vs. Biblical Principles:

1. "At-will" employment contracts and biblical oppression
2. Ephesians
3. No respect of persons (treating all employees equally)
4. The "good old boy network" and partial treatment
5. Leaning on your own understanding vs. seeking God's wisdom

Biblical Business Practices

1. Pull underperforming employees aside privately (show mercy like Christ)
2. Give people a chance to improve before reprimanding
3. Pray for the wisdom of Solomon when facing difficult decisions
4. Recognize when God's voice comes through others as an act of mercy

The Danger of Pride in Business

1. Proverbs 3:5
2. "Lean not on your own understanding"
3. Proverbs 28:25-26
4. Trusting your own heart makes you a fool
5. Ego = self-interest, which is the quality of Satan
6. Putting God first in decision-making honors the first commandment

Discernment in Business Decisions

1. Confusion is a sign you're leaning on your own understanding, not God's
2. Seek knowledge from those who understand Scripture (like seeking a bishop)
3. 1 Timothy 3
4. Not everyone can be a captain; seek those with biblical knowledge
5. Find business advisors who have both scriptural AND business expertise

Words of Encouragement

1. Always seek help and discern between man's tradition and biblical principles
2. Colossians 2:8
3. Don't get caught up in man's traditions and philosophies
4. Listen to that "little voice" inside you (the Holy Spirit)
5. 1 John 1:9
6. Admit when you've sinned, humble yourself, and ask for help
7. Repent, ask for help, and seek knowledge

Key Scripture References

1. Psalm 1:2 - Meditation on God's word
2. Joshua 1:9 - Strength and courage through challenges
3. Luke 5 - The Prodigal Son
4. Ephesians - No respect of persons
5. Proverbs 3:5 - Lean not on your own understanding
6. Proverbs 28:25-26 - Trusting your own heart
7. 1 Timothy 3 - Qualifications for church officers
8. Colossians 2:8 - Beware of man's traditions
9. 1 John 1:9 - Confession and forgiveness
10. Jeremiah - God's warnings to rulers

Practical Takeaways

1. Turn off distractions to meditate on Scripture and hear from God
2. Pray for wisdom (like Solomon) when facing business challenges
3. Treat all employees equally regardless of personal relationships
4. Address performance issues privately with mercy and a chance to improve
5. Seek advisors who combine biblical knowledge with business expertise
6. Put God first in all business decisions, not just personal life
7. Listen to the Holy Spirit
8. confusion means you're relying on yourself
9. Repent quickly when you realize you're violating biblical principles

Closing Prayer

Herb closes with a powerful prayer asking God to help business owners conduct their affairs according to His word, cleanse their hearts and minds, and allow the Holy Spirit to flow through them in all aspects of life—including business.

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Next Episode: Stay tuned for more conversations with Christian business leaders!

"Your word touches every part of our life, not just on Sunday, but it influences every part of our life, and that includes our business." - Herb Burns