Business Mogul Dead at 99

Renowned investor Charlie Munger, who was instrumental in the ascent of Berkshire Hathaway alongside Warren Buffett, has passed away at 99. 

Munger, the long-standing vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, was a crucial force behind the conglomerate's success, shaping investment strategies and business decisions alongside Buffett. Despite his influential role, Munger often remained in the background, downplaying his contributions. Buffett, in 2008, credited Munger with expanding his investment horizons beyond traditional value strategies, emphasizing the invaluable lessons on business valuation and human nature. Munger's death marks the end of an era for Berkshire Hathaway and the investment community, losing a visionary leader whose impact transcended decades.

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The Remnant's Response

Jesus was the greatest investment strategist who ever lived (Matthew 6:19-20), reminding all of us that investing in eternity is exponentially wiser than experiencing 99 years of immense prosperity (Luke 9:25 ). Like all men who have died before him and all who will die after, Mr. Munger will be taking none of his worldly wealth with him (Job 1:21 ). Mr. Munger was famous for his witticisms; some of the most famous among them are the ones listed below, after which we provide even wiser comments that will be loved by shareholders in the faith.  

"Invest in a business any fool can run, because someday a fool will." - Munger

• Only a fool invests in things that provide value in this life alone. (Matthew 6:19-20)
• One day, even a fool will be proven wise if he invests everything he has in the One to whom everything has been entrusted (Colossians 1:15-18; Revelation 22:12-13).
• "The fool has said in his heart, there is no God." (Psalm 14:1)

"Capitalism without failure is like religion without hell." - Munger

• Knowledge without repentance is a guarantee of hell to come. (Matthew 3:7-10)
• Owning many things does not guarantee you many days. A successful capitalist does not live as long as long as he wants. (Luke 12:16-21)
• "A rich man's wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his own imagination. (Proverbs 18:11 ) 

"Worshiping at the altar of diversification…is really crazy." - Munger

• Worshiping anything other than the God of creation... is really crazy (Jeremiah 10:6-11).
• "No one can serve two masters; for either, he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth." (Matthew 6:24 ). 

 "We recognized early on that very smart people do very dumb things, and we wanted to know why and who so we could avoid them." - Munger

• "The companion of fools will suffer harm." (Proverbs 13:20 ) 
• "Do not associate with a man given to anger; Or go with a hot-tempered man, Or you will learn his ways, And find a snare for yourself." (Proverbs 22:24-25)

"Acquire worldly wisdom and adjust your behavior accordingly. If your new behavior gives you a little temporary unpopularity with your peer group, then to hell with them." - Munger

• Acquire heavenly wisdom and adjust your behavior accordingly. If your new behavior gives you a little temporary unpopularity with your peer group, then pray for them because hell awaits them." (Proverbs 4:4-5, 2 Thessalonians 1:8-19) 

"Avoid working directly under somebody you don't admire and don't want to be like." - Munger

• "Follow me." Jesus

There is no judgment waiting for us just because we have been successful in this life, but there is no success in this life unless we realize this life isn't where success is ultimately determined. (Hebrews 9:27 ) We can be impressed with his business prowess and "investing" success, but if Charlie Munger missed the wisdom available in God's word, he invested his 99 years as poorly as any man who ever lived (Mark 8:36-37).