How is success to be defined? Jesus asked “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul?” (Mark 8:36, 24: Thus says the LORD: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me…”

Noah was successful even though only he and his family was saved aboard the ark. The prophet Jeremiah was successful even though the crowds ridiculed him for his preaching. Jesus was never more in the will of God as He hung on the cross, scorned and mocked as a public spectacle. The world could not discern their success at all, but that is because they measure it by different standards to God’s.

I am convinced the Bible is the ultimate success book. The book of Proverbs is the inspired Old Testament book of wisdom for life.

Having said that, it would be foolish to think we could never learn “success” principles from those in the business world. Jesus said, “For the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light.” (Luke 16:8) If we have an open mind to be able to learn from anyone, its amazing how much we can glean from others.

I found this video (below) very interesting but would always seek to filter what I see and hear through the lens of the Bible. Here, Darren Hardy of Success Magazine answers the questions: How did I develop my MESSAGE, SKILLS, BRAND and other tidbits of advice on achieving success in business.