The Bible teaches fundamental principles about how we ought to approach business, and how to handle money in a righteous manner. The scriptures are full of wisdom to guide us in our decisions, even if those decisions involve working, commerce, or the management of finances.
Throughout scripture, God has demonstrated his clear interest in how we run our businesses. In Proverbs 15:22, God says “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed.” This illustrates that God expects us to rely on wise counsel when making major business decisions.
In addition to this, He instructs us in Deuteronomy 25:13-16: “You shall not have in your bag two kinds of weights, a large and a small. You shall not have in your house two kinds of measures, a large and a small. You shall have a full and just weight; a full and just measure you shall have, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you.
This tells us that God desires us to practice honesty in our businesses, as using dishonest measurements can lead to corrupt practices. We are further exhorted in Leviticus 19:35-37 to also “have honest weights, honest balances, and honest measures”, and to ”keep perfect and just weights, a perfect and just measure”.
The Scriptures also remind us to be generous in the way we do business. The New Testament speaks often of this concept, one that was also advocated in the Old Testament. Malachi 3:10 instructs us “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in Mine house, and prove Me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open unto you the windows of Heaven, and pour out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it”. The principle here is that those who practice tithing (or giving a percentage of their blessings back to God) will be blessed with even greater riches.
Moreover, the Bible also emphasises the importance of diligence in every work our hands undertake. Ecclesiastes 9:10 tells us “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest”. Essentially, this verse conveys that God expects us to be diligent and hardworking in all the endeavours we undertake.
We can see that the Bible presents us with many clear instructions for finances and business, and it is up to us to heed those instructions. Ultimately, both of these aspects can be used to serve God and uphold his commandments.
God’s Purpose in Business
The Bible outlines God’s purpose in business not only as a way to make a living, but also as a tool to build His Kingdom and give Him glory. In Ecclesiastes 10:12 it tells us: “The words of the wise man’s mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself”. The phrase “the words of the wise man’s mouth are gracious” suggests that in our business dealings, we should focus on being kind, understanding, helpful, and generous. This passage teaches us that these qualities should be the standard by which we do business, as they will bring us success and bring glory to God.
The Bible also emphasises the importance of sound judgement and applying wisdom to our business decisions. Proverbs 24:3–4 says “By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; and by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.” In this passage, we are being encouraged to use wisdom and understanding when involved in our business affairs, so that we can achieve success and be filled with all the riches God has for us.
Business ownership and entrepreneurial pursuits have also been promoted throughout scripture. In Joshua 1:8 God says “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success”. This teaches us that God expects us to be diligent, to study and to meditate on how we should handle our businesses, so that we can be successful and prosperous.
God’s Warning in Business
The Bible not only teaches us important principles on how to conduct our businesses, but also holds warnings for those who do not adhere to God’s laws in business. In Proverbs 11:1, God tells us “A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight”. This verse is warning us that if we choose to go against God’s laws in business, then He will not be pleased. He also warns us in Proverbs 16:11 “A just weight and balance are the Lord’s: all the weights of the bag are his work”. This verse reiterates the importance of using honest weights and measures in order to please God.
The Bible further instructs us in Proverbs 16:4 not to “commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established”. This tells us that if we put our trust in God, and allow Him to guide us in all our business dealings, then our plans will be successful. However, verse 5 goes on to warn us that “The Lord detests all the dishonest, but he loves those who desire to do right”. The warning here is that if we turn away from God and choose to act dishonestly, then His judgement will be upon us.
We can see that although God is displeased with those who practice dishonesty in business, He is also mindful of our successes and delights in those who choose to do right. In Proverbs 21:5 it states “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” This conveys that if we are diligent in our business dealings, then we are promised success.
God’s Blessing in Business
It is clear that God does not only expect us to act ethically and honestly in business, but also rewards us when we do. Proverbs 3:9–10 says “Honour the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.” This passage parallels Proverbs 28:20 “A faithful man will abound with blessings, but he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.” These verses are reminding us to be generous and to not be greedy, as God will reward us with His riches.
The Bible also teaches us to turn to God in times of financial needs, as He will be able to give us all that we need. Proverbs 3:24–27 in the Amplified Bible says “When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Be not afraid of sudden terror, nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being taken. Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so.” This passage encourages us to trust in God in all the financial needs we face, and to make sure to help those in need when we have the means to do so.
Living Out God’s Principles in Business
The Bible is full of principles on how to conduct our businesses and finances, but it is up to us to choose to live by these principles. Throughout scripture, God has emphasised the importance of taking care of our finances and managing them in accordance with His laws. He has also clearly shown us that success in this area can only come by allowing Him to control our decisions, and by His gracious blessings.
God’s word has also presented us with countless warnings regarding dishonest practices in our business dealings. He has laid out for us a clear path for success by using honest weights and measures, and by being generous with our finances. He desires for us to be diligent and hardworking, as well as wise and understanding in our business decisions.
Moreover, God’s word is full of promises of blessing when we entrust our finances and our businesses to Him. He is always faithful to give us the help we need, and when we manage our businesses with integrity and generosity, He will be sure to reward us with His riches.
Putting God First in Business
Ultimately, it is essential that we always consider the principles laid out in scripture and make sure that God is always at the centre of our business dealings. In Philippians 3:20, Paul says “for our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,”. This reminds us that all we do should be done for the glory of God, and not for material gain.
The book of Proverbs gives us a very clear picture of how God desires for us to preform our business dealings. Proverbs 21:3 says: “To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice”. This verse reminds us that ultimately, it is up to us to choose how we will conduct our businesses, and if we choose to do them in accordance with God’s laws, then we will be greatly rewarded.
At the end of the day, it is crucial that we apply God’s principles and make His will the centre of our business dealings. God will never withhold His goodness from us, and He desires to prosper us in our businesses and lives. It is up to us to ensure that we honour God in our businesses and finances, and in return He will bless us with His grace.
Holding Onto Business Integrity
In an age where some people are driven by material gain and dishonesty, it is important to make sure that our businesses remain grounded in the principles laid out in scripture. We must make sure that our decisions in business are wise and driven by faith, and that we are honest and just in the way that we do business.
God has laid out for us clear instructions for succeeding in our businesses, and has promised blessings for those who abide by those instructions. He has also warned us of His judgement if we choose to ignore His laws. Clearly, the Bible outlines God’s expectations for how we should conduct our businesses, and it is up to us to ensure that we follow His commands.
No matter what stage we are at in our business endeavours, Proverbs 3:5–6 reminds us “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths”. This verse encourages
