Thou Shall Prosper

A practical approach to creating wealth-based on the established principles of ancient Jewish wisdom-made accessible to people of all backgrounds

The ups and downs of the economy prove Rabbi Daniel Lapin's famous principle that the more things change, the more we need to depend upon the things that never change. There's no better source for both practical and spiritual financial wisdom than the time-tested knowledge found in the ancient Jewish faith and its culture. In the Second Edition of Thou Shall Prosper, Lapin offers a practical approach to creating wealth based on the established principles of ancient Jewish wisdom. This book details the ten permanent principles that never change, the ten commandments of making money if you will, and explores the economic and philosophic vision of business that has been part of Jewish culture for centuries. The book's focus is on making accessible to individuals of all backgrounds, the timeless truths that Jews have used for centuries to excel in business.

• Outlines ten fundamental "commandments" relating to business and money
• Includes insights that will increase your potential for creating wealth, no matter what your faith or background may be
• Blends contemporary business stories and Lapin's own business experiences with the wisdom of the Torah and Talmudic prescriptions

This Second Edition provides new examples, especially of Internet related business opportunities. In addition, each chapter highlights specific action steps that can lead to wealth opportunities in both difficult economic times and periods of prosperity.

Foreword by Dave Ramsey v

Introduction to the New Edition 1
The First Commandment

Believe in the Dignity and Morality of Business 19
The Second Commandment

Extend the Network of Your Connectedness to Many People 57
The Third Commandment

Get to Know Yourself 91
The Fourth Commandment

Do Not Pursue Perfection 129
The Fifth Commandment

Lead Consistently and Constantly 171
The Sixth Commandment

Constantly Change the Changeable, While Steadfastly Clinging to the Unchangeable 205
The Seventh Commandment

Learn to Foretell the Future 239
The Eighth Commandment

Know Your Money 269
The Ninth Commandment

Act Rich: Give Away 10 Percent of Your After-Tax Income 297
The Tenth Commandment

Never Retire 319

Epilogue 341

Notes 345

Index 354

Rabbi Daniel Lapin is a radio talk-show host and author. He cofounded Pacific Jewish Center in Los Angeles with media personality Michael Medved and was named one of "The Top 50 Rabbis in America" by Newsweek. Rabbi Lapin is a headline speaker for hundreds of synagogues, churches, companies, and organizations. His Torah teaching programs reach over a hundred thousand followers worldwide. Rabbi Lapin lives with his family on an island near Seattle. "Life is business, and business is life.
Learn one, and you will have also learned the other."

In the few years since the first edition of Thou Shall Prosper was published, much has changed from both an economic and financial standpoint. But the ups and downs we've experienced have helped prove Rabbi Daniel Lapin's point that the more things change, the more we need to depend upon things that never do.

There's no better source for both practical and spiritual financial wisdom than the time-tested knowledge found in the ancient Jewish faith and culture. Now, with the Second Edition of Thou Shall Prosper, Rabbi Lapin returns to provide a clear picture of how following an unwavering economic and philosophic vision of business and money—based on the established principles of Jewish tradition—can increase your potential for creating wealth.

While unprecedented events have changed the world we live in, the ten fundamental "commandments" outlined throughout these pages, which relate to both business and money, are as relevant as ever. By blending contemporary business stories and his own business experiences with the wisdom of the Torah and Talmudic prescriptions, Rabbi Lapin skillfully explains the essence of each commandment—which include Believe in the Dignity and Morality of Business, Do Not Pursue Perfection, and Know Your Money—and shows you how to use them to prosper financially.

Along the way, Rabbi Lapin also highlights new examples that will help you excel during difficult economic times and addresses important concepts such as "being in business for yourself"; avoiding the trappings of a "wage slave"; changing with the times; learning to become a leader; and much more. So that you may apply each principle to your life, Rabbi Lapin suggests engaging and accessible action steps to start you immediately on the path to prosperity.

With the Second Edition of Thou Shall Prosper as your guide, you'll quickly discover the powerful wealth-producing principles that lie at the root of Jewish success—and learn how to apply them to your own endeavors. No matter what your faith or background, the insights found here will put you in a better position not only to maximize your potential, but also help those around you.

Praise for the First Edition of Thou Shall Prosper

"Rabbi Daniel Lapin's wisdom has helped untold numbers of people, including me, grow in our business, family, and spiritual lives. In Thou Shall Prosper, Rabbi Lapin has done it again. This book tells it like it is in a helpful, honest, hopeful, informative way. He offers valid, useful information based on ancient wisdom and modern experience."—Zig Ziglar, author and motivational teacher

"Thou Shall Prosper is a passionate, occasionally hortatory avowal and practical road map to the making of 'dough' and the life-affirming consequences of the honest pursuit of profit. An unabashed manifesto for the twenty-first century, it seeks to steer the reader toward a guilt-free appreciation of wealth accumulation."—The Jewish Press

"No matter how successful or sophisticated you may be, this remarkable work will enrich your understanding of the important, exciting process of building wealth."—Michael Medved, nationally syndicated radio host and author of Right Turns

"In this highly insightful and controversial new book, Rabbi Lapin unearths the golden nuggets of Jewish business genius. By emphasizing the unique talents of the Jewish way of life, Rabbi Lapin demonstrates how Judaism's spiritual regimen can be translated into tangible material rewards, with the bottom line being directly affected. A thoroughly engaging, enriching, and thought-provoking book."—Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, author of Kosher Sex and Judaism for Everyone

"I really enjoyed this book, and I heartily recommend it to people of all faiths."—The Late Honorable Jack Kemp