Leadership: The 14 Success Principles of JobSample

12. No Bad Wishes

Continuing on the theme of competitors and enemies, Job gives us his twelfth leadership and business principle: no bad wishes or curses on others:

I have not allowed my mouth to sin by invoking a curse against their life...  – Job 31:30

Job highlights the principle of not cursing or wishing bad on his competitors and enemies, but then also goes one step further to call this behavior what it really is: a sin.

The same is true for us today: when we wish a bad result on a colleague, competitor, or enemy, we are in fact wishing to curse them – and this is sin!

Listen instead to how Jesus says we should treat those who hate us:

“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you."  – Luke 6:27-28

As difficult as it may be, you are called to a life of holiness as a Christian, in all of your life and leadership, seeking to do good, to bless others, and to bring joy into the world. After all, if anyone can bring joy and honor to others, it is you as a Christian, isn’t it?

The principle of doing good / not cursing even your enemy is right in line with what Jesus teaches as the second and greatest commandment of all the Bible:

“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this… ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”  – Mark 12:29-31a

Although Job never quite articulated what we now know as the Golden Rule, his principles for leadership and success certainly embodied it.

Job’s principle on this extends beyond speaking out against your competitor or enemy to also include even what you might think against them. Check Jesus' words on even your innermost thoughts: 

But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.  – Matthew 5:28

and

What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.  – Luke 12:3

Job’s twelfth principle: no bad thoughts, no evil wishes, and certainly no curses on your coworker, competitor, or even your enemy!

Reflection / Application  

1. Recall the last time you were taken advantage of, made fun of, or cursed by someone? How did it make you feel?   
2. When someone takes unfair advantage of you or curses you, what is your response? Do you speak it out or just keep those thoughts to yourself?  
3. How can you avoid thinking bad thoughts or evil curses on those who oppose you? Is this perhaps a prayer point for you?