Success principles didn’t start in the 21st century: they are as old as time. Some of the best business advice comes from ancient scripture. Here are some gems for you to ponder:

Professionals respect confidentiality.
“If you argue your case with a neighbor, do not betray another man’s confidence, or he who hears it may shame you and you will never lose your bad reputation.”

Say the right words; it’s good salesmanship.
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”

Know your product and know your business.
“By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.”

Be truthful in advertising.
“Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of gifts he does not give.”

Put in a good day’s work.
“Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth”, and “He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.”

Be careful about borrowing.
“The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender” and “Do not be a man who strikes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts; if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you.”

Provide a good product or service.
“Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men.”

Your reputation is everything.
“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”

Honesty and integrity are the foundation for a successful business.
“A man of perverse heart does not prosper, he whose tongue is deceitful falls into trouble,” and “An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.”

Your profits should help you learn and grow.
“Of what use is money in the hands of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom?”

Learn to listen.
“He who answers before listening—that is his folly and his shame” and “Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him.”

Be generous.
“He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses.” “A stingy man is eager to get rich and is unaware that poverty awaits him.”

Don’t get involved in gossip.
“If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials become wicked.”

Admit it when you’re wrong.
“He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”

Timing is everything.
“He who gathers crops in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during the harvest is a disgraceful son.”

Pick your employees carefully.
“Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you. Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.”

Associate with the right people.
“Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared.”

Keep striving for balance in your life.
“Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.”

Use a professional when you need one.
“For waging war you need guidance; and for victory, many advisors.”

Don’t get too secure in your success.
“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth. Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips.”

Keep your emotions in between the lines.
“A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.”

I hope you enjoyed these gems and found a few you can use. You can thank King Solomon, who is said to be the wisest man who ever lived. It is generally accepted that he wrote and compiled the Book of Proverbs in the Bible, which is where I found these wonderful business quotes. These business principles are thousands of years old, yet very good advice today.