Who knew a book on business could be so rich? Well, I can tell you that Larry Burkett’s book Business by the Book is.

For example, in chapter 6, Keeping Vows, he gives five simple rules that could not only be applied to good business practice but also good personal living practice. He developed them to avoid making commitments he might later regret:

1. When in Doubt, Say No
2. Keep a “Year at a Glance” Calendar
3. Prioritize the Day
4. Don’t Book Too Far Ahead
5. Use a Written Contract

Here are two quotes from the chapter that seem to support the need for these rules:

• Situational ethics have so shaped our society that even God’s people have lost the concept of absolutes when it comes to keeping our word.
  
• The probability of a misunderstanding in a written agreement has been calculated at 20%, more or less. The probability of a misunderstanding in a verbal agreement is nearly 100%!