不確定的危險和應許

從某一方面來看，這樣小心的做法似乎合理、可靠。難道經濟狀況不好時，魯莽地行動是智慧的嗎？在聖經舊約中箴言贊成謹慎地採取行動，例如：「通達人見禍藏躲；愚蒙人前往受害」（箴言27章12節）。換言之，若沒有認清危險的狀況就行動可能會導致災難的後果。

然而一直等待到狀況似乎完善可能也不是最謹慎的做法。到那時可能就太晚了。如諺語提醒我們：「早起的鳥兒有蟲吃。」有時開始新企劃的最佳時機是每個人都還渾渾噩噩之時。當每個人為了將來感到恐懼而停滯不前，有些勇敢且有遠見的工商人士帶著妥善的想法開始著手前行，造就了歷史上一些偉大的成功故事。

所以，一個人要如何分辨？你如何能看出何時最好謹慎等待，而何時最好向前邁進，不必管市場還彌漫著不確定性？

即使在經濟狀況最好的時候也沒人可保證一定會成功，聖經提供了一些有幫助的方針值得我們思考。箴言也再次提供了健全的真知灼見：

收集所有相關資料。失敗的最大成因是不願作足夠的研究調查，且沒有在行動前作適當的準備。「聰明人的心得知識；智慧人的耳求知識」（箴言18章15節）。

向值得信任的朋友尋求意見。獲得資訊的方式之一是向對你考慮要採取之步驟有相當了解的朋友和同儕諮詢。他們可提供你可能從未考慮過的觀點。「無智謀，民就敗落；謀士多，人便安居」（箴言11章14節）。「不先商議，所謀無效；謀士眾多，所謀乃成」（箴言15章22節）。

為了榮耀並討上帝喜悅而做。計畫常常是受自私的渴望或驕傲的動機所驅動。當一個人的意念是遵循上帝的引導，就可避開可能的陷阱。聖經新約羅馬書8章5節教導我們：「因為隨從肉體的人體貼肉體的事，隨從聖靈的人體貼聖靈的事。」

謹慎地計畫與了解危險在工商界是必要的條件，然而當你真的察覺到上帝的靈催促你往前行時，聽從聖靈是最有智慧的行動。

本文版權為正直資源中心（Integrity Resource Center, Inc.）所有。本文獲得授權改編自「瑞克．博克思的正直時刻Integrity Moments with Rich Boxx」。這系列的文章是以一個基督徒的觀點評論職場的正直議題。想要更多了解正直資源中心或想要收到電子文件的「瑞克每天的正直時刻Rick”s daily Integrity Moments」系列文章，請上網www.integrityresource.org。他的書「如何生意興隆而不犧牲正直」提供人們正直地作生意的方法。

In one respect, such cautious approaches seem warranted. Would it be wise to proceed with reckless abandon even though economic conditions do not seem favorable? In the Bible”s Old Testament, the book of Proverbs endorses taking action with prudence. For instance, it says, “The prudent sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it” (Proverbs 27:12). In other words, failure to recognize dangerous situations and act accordingly can lead to disastrous consequences.

Yet waiting until conditions seem perfect might not be the most prudent course to take, either. By then it might be too late. As the adage reminds us, “The early bird catches the worm.” Sometimes the best time to launch something new is when everyone is gripped by inertia. While everyone else has become immobilized by fear of what might lie ahead, some of the great success stories in the history of business have been individuals with the courage – and foresight – to proceed with well-conceived ideas.

So how does one tell the difference? How can you discern when it is best to be cautious and wait, and when it is best to move forward despite prevailing uncertainty?

While no one can offer guarantees of success even in the most favorable economic conditions, the Bible offers some helpful guidelines worth considering. Again the book of Proverbs provides sound insight:

Gather all the information needed. One of the major contributors to failure is unwillingness to conduct sufficient research and prepare properly before taking action. “The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out” (Proverbs 18:15).

Seek counsel from trusted associates. One way to get that information is consulting with friends and peers that are knowledgeable about the steps you are considering. They can provide viewpoints you might not have considered. “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure” (Proverbs 11:14). “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22).

Proceed motivated by a desire to honor and please God. Too often plans are driven by selfish desires or prideful motivations. Those potential pitfalls can be avoided when the individual”s intent is to follow the direction God reveals. In the Bible”s New Testament, Romans 8:5 teaches, "Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires."

Prudent planning and awareness of dangers are imperative in business, yet when you truly sense that the Spirit of God is prodding you to move forward, the wisest course is to listen to God’s Spirit.