Doing Business by the Good Book: Fifty-Two Lessons on Success Sraight from the Bible

The takeaways in the book are priceless. Have your highlighter ready.

Having read many good books on business, I must say this has been the most inspirational. This isn’t your get rich quick type of read. It felt as though wisdom was imparted into me as if I was personally sitting amongst the elders of the land! The sense of pure conviction for both faith and purpose has been the catalyst for success!

I was assigned this book for a class at seminary.Written by a self-made African-American entrepreneur, who obviously holds deep convictions about how his faith impacts his life in the business world, this book claims to provide "52 lessons on success straight from the Bible." David Steward's life is a "rags to riches" story. Born into a poor family on the wrong side of the tracks, through hard work and faith, he built a billion dollar Technology Company. The stories he relates from his own life and the history of the company demonstrate his business nous and personal integrity.Although separated into 52 chapters, there is a lot of repetition throughout the book. The same themes come up over and over again. In my few years in the business world, and in subsequent reading, his points ring true as representing real wisdom. If he had just written a book on how to run a successful business, I would have recommended it to anyone.My strongest reaction to the book, however, was as a result of his use (or should I say abuse) of Scripture. For a book that was supposed to draw its principles from the Bible, Steward consistently tried to make Scripture allude to the wisdom he was espousing, some of which was biblical and some of which was ungodly. Clearly he is familiar with lots of Scripture, but his understanding of it is woefully inadequate for the task he undertook. I was not just uncomfortable with his use of Scripture; I was deeply offended by it.The worst abuse of Scripture appeared in his chapter entitled "Building Long-term Relationships" . He claimed that the parable of the sower "illustrates how relationships take time." Not every relationship will yield results, says Steward, but in long-term relationships the yield is substantial and we are abundantly rewarded! Of course, this parable is actually about people's heart response to the preaching of the kingdom. The abuse of this beautiful parable is a pet peeve of mine, but Steward takes its misinterpretation to a new level. He uses this parable to advocate the unbiblical practice of favoritism within the "old school network." Such discrimination, based on the parent's ability to afford elite education, is the very thing that Steward himself testifies to having overcome!Another ridiculous abuse of Scripture occurs in the chapter entitled "Creativity and Innovation." In describing how these two expressions complement each other, he quotes from Isa 41:6-7, where the prophet is describing the construction of an idol! Steward then says, "Here we are reminded that we must work together, praising and encouraging each other, so that the sum total of our efforts becomes greater than our individual efforts. " Only if we want to be emulating those constructing idols!!!Numerous other abuses and misuses of Scripture (almost every time the Bible is used!) could be cited. Suffice it to say, though, that this is the worst book on "biblical" principles for leadership or for doing business that I have read. I wish I could somehow recover the hours I wasted reading it. In fact, I found this book so offensive that, if I had the wherewithal, I would purchase every copy in existence and pulp it. My recommendation to David Steward would be to do that very thing in order to protect those with even less understanding of the Scriptures from being led astray by his example, and to rescue his reputation from the derision that such a publication must provoke.

This book was brought to my attention during a lunch meeting that was supposed to focus on the business at hand. Instead of discussing the events of the day and how it related to our business together we spoke about God, the desire to do good and serve others. It was an unexpected and unconventional conversation, especially in today's business climate but one I was happy to participate in. Towards the end of our conversation I was asked if I had ever read this book as it seemed my beliefs were the same. I responded no, but said I would read it. I downloaded the book right after the meeting and started to read it, never leaving my hotel room until it was finished. In these writings I found clarity, inspiration and purpose. This book has had a profound effect on me, validating my own beliefs and providing a simple and clear manual for how to conduct my business life. I highly recommend anyone looking to incorporate their Spiritual beliefs into their business life take the time to read this wonderful book and it's my belief that you and the world will be better for it.

I liked how the chapters were laid out as short daily reads. I feel like the overall focus of the book was trust God, live for Him, and serve others. Others meaning spouses, family, employees, clients, vendors and partners… Great book!!!

This will always be a part of my library. Each chapter has taught me so much and I am using what I've learned. I would recommend it. God bless you for writting it. John 3:17

I haven't finished the book but I can say I actually have this deep desire to follow along with Mr. Steward's life lessons. Mr. Steward's spiritual business experiences through God's directional Word is what I need in this time of my life. I'm so glad I visited the IMO'S Pizza on Hampton at highway 40/64 in St. Louis, MO that particular day. To GOD be the glory I got wind of this book's existance. So Oh Heavenly FATHER order my steps and I will continue to praise YOU in the hallway until the door/gate swings open in my life. AMEN!!!

Loved the book. I think working for MR Steward’s company would be a blessing. A very good read. Couldn’t put it down.

An excellent read, of how to not only do business but how to be true to yourself first and extend it to others. Sow great seeds and reap great returns. Love it