Leadership: The Top 5 Success Principles of JobSample

2. No Unjust Action

As a successful, wealthy person considered the greatest among his people, Job would have had tremendous influence over those all around him, including government officials and judges in the court of law. There was no one greater than Job, and the respect he had from his society must have been tremendous (see Job 29:7-10).

Even so, Job’s second Top 5 principle (with 9 verses dedicated to it) is not to take unfair advantage of others. He emphasizes this by pointing out he would not even take advantage even of those least able to defend themselves:

If I have raised my hand against the fatherless, knowing that I had influence in court… – Job 31:21

Job’s objective was never to accumulate wealth to the disadvantage of the poor and weak, regardless of how easy that might have been. Instead, he wanted to be upright and equitable in all situations, even though others might profit at the expense of the weak. And, in doing so, his reputation was stellar:

Whoever heard me spoke well of me, and those who saw me commended me, because I rescued the poor who cried for help, and the fatherless who had none to assist them. – Job 29:11-12

The building of Job’s enterprise surely required his focus and attention over a period of years. All that time, Job stuck to his principles, never forgetting that his life, business, or leadership was about much more than wealth or success.

Job knew reputation mattered, just as it was written by wise King Solomon many years later:

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold. – Proverbs 22:1

Today, a good reputation is still a valuable asset. However, abuse of the less fortunate is far too acceptable, and unjust treatment of the poor is readily tolerated as acceptable.

Think of the clothes you wear, the coffee you drink, or the smartphone you use and how these may rely on the systemic abuse of those less fortunate. Even in your own country, those with greater wealth and influence (like Job) game the system; manipulate the law, restrict the abilities of others, and even take action to suppress the voices of those less fortunate.

If Job were alive today, he might raise the bar for fairer and more equitable treatment of those less fortunate. In his absence, he leaves this principle for you to do the same.

Reflection / Application

1. Have you or your company ever profited by the unjust leverage of those less fortunate? How did that feel? Did you even give it any thought?
2. As a leader, you have the chance to make a difference and enhance your reputation at the same time. Can you identify some action that might help those less fortunate?
3. Today, the world is overwhelmingly focused on immediate results and success. How does equitable treatment of those who are less fortunate help or harm the pursuit of your leadership or business?