Steve Lyston, Contributor

There is a lot we can learn from those around us who can give us some measure of hope and help to propel us into the greatness that is our future. We must also be willing to learn from the greatest book ever written - the Holy Bible.

The main focus of wise businessmen is to build solid foundations for themselves, their households and their generations to come.

They are not fussy about brand names, and some of them will even purchase a generic cellphone and inexpensive clothing, while they don blazers and jeans.

They don't throw money away; they watch every dollar and invest wisely. To them, even the coins have value, so they don't throw coins away either.

They are not time wasters, they ascribe great value to time, and they know that every second wasted is money down the drain. That is why we have to be disciplined and keep our appointments. For them, performance is key.

They don't allow friends and family to manipulate their organisations; they will bring their best friend to lunch and fire them on the spot. To them performance is extremely important and it is a business decision. They appreciate and honour loyalty.

They will not be quick to hire someone if they realise that the individual has no longevity. What they want for the organisation are assets, not liabilities.

While they will compete, it may look like war to the public, but they will not ruin a relationship with their colleagues or competitors. They know that at the end of the day, if they fail, they will need to bail each other out.

Remember, their children attend school together, they attend the same church together, and they are members of the same organisations.

The wise businessmen are risk takers. They have faith. They may not recognise it as faith, but they have faith.

They are movers and shakers; once the price is right and the circumstances are favourable, there is a deal.

They are not tied to any political parties as are the poor. Neither will they willingly grab hold of guns to kill everybody who doesn't agree with them.

EYE ON SUCCESS

They are willing to get involved in the processes necessary to bring success to them.

Most of them have no patience - show them the plan and you have to show them how you will finance the plan and what the return on their investments will be.

They are not afraid to make tough decisions to survive and remain financially viable during tough times.

The wise businessman is not afraid of constructive criticism. They like it when you tell them the truth - even if it makes them angry at first. They use constructive criticism to get ahead and many of them will use the criticism to build new businesses.

What the poor see as garbage, a wise businessman sees as an opportunity for money-making.

They are not afraid to borrow in order to expand their organisation.

They are not afraid to take a failing product or business with potential and invest in it. They spend millions on marketing and promotion of whatever they are involved in, so the public can support it as well.

Many will say that such persons are only after profits and they pay cheap; but even Jesus outlines to us that He wants profits and interest on anything with which He entrusts us.

Anything that does not bear interest or make a profit in any way will be out of business. (Luke 19: 11 - 27) Otherwise, businessmen would not put any money into a bank that does not give interest. They love trade; and for some it is one of their greatest loves.

Remember, God is also a wise businessman. He is watching you. He will not give you great wealth if you are not faithful in another man's business. (Luke 16: 12). So be faithful in your organisation. Faithfulness/loyalty is a prerequisite for promotion. Your reliability is proof of your capacity to properly manage resources.

Learn from the wise businessman what you can and run with it.

Steve Lyston is a biblical economics consultant and author of several books, including 'End Time Finance and The New Millionaire'.