16 Bible Verses About Business to Guide Your Decisions
What does the Bible say about business? If you have ever wondered this, you are not alone. Whether you wish to monetize your blog or operate your business on Christian business principles, the Bible is filled with lots of scriptures on business that can teach us some valuable lessons.
As Christians, we are called to be the salt and light of the earth. In the book of Matthew, Jesus said “let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” We shouldn’t just be Christians at church, our business practices should be reflective of our beliefs as Christians. The marketplace presents itself as an avenue through which we can showcase Christ by how we interact with others and our ethical dealings in business.
So, to help you do business God’s way, here are some important Bible verses about business to guide your decisions.
What Does The Bible Say About Business
You will encounter many individuals who do not share the same viewpoint as yourself as you engage in varied business transactions in the marketplace. God has called us, for such a time as this to be a testimony to those with which we interact.
The apostle Paul is an excellent example of a business owner, he was a tentmaker (Acts 18:3). He saw the marketplace as a platform to establish his business and build connections. I also believe that Paul used his earnings to be a blessing to the people around him.
When I think of business owners in the Bible, the story of Jacob and Laban comes to mind. Jacob went to stay with his uncle after deceiving his brother out of his “blessing”. Fearing for his life, his mother insisted that he go stay with her brother Laban in Paddan-aram.
After about a month of staying with his uncle, Laban convinced him to join the family business. For his wage, he agreed to work seven years for Laban’s daughter Rachel. After working seven hard years, Jacob was ready for his reward but instead of receiving his promised reward his uncle gave him Rachel‘s sister to be his wife. Once again Jacob agreed to work additional years to secure Rachel as his wife.
Throughout his time with Laban, he was cheated and had his wage changed several times. Laban did everything to get Jacob and his family to stay as he realized he was been blessed by the Lord because of Jacob. The Lord didn’t forget Jacob though as he took away Laban’s wealth and gave it to Jacob (Genesis 27-31).
Bible Verses About Business
Our businesses can be successful and prosperous because it is God who gives us the ability to create wealth. Instead of relying of on our own wisdom, we can trust the Lord for his direction. God gives us the power to make our businesses successful.
“ But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.” Deuteronomy 8:18
“And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. ” Luke 5:5-7
There are so many times, in my own business, that I have identified with this story of Simon Peter. We experience our fair share of struggles in bringing in sales and increasing revenue. We work very hard and oftentimes have nothing to show for it. Instead of throwing in the towels, Simon Peter decided to give it one more chance and let down the nets for a catch. He simply trusted.
Nothing had changed in this scenario. It was the same nets and the same people fishing at the same spot. The only difference was that they had Jesus with them in the boat. When we have Jesus amidst our business, your business practices will be different from those of the world.
Having a successful business is not determined by our status, and what we do, but in fact by who is with us. If God is on our side, who can be against us. And did you also notice another thing. There was more than enough fish to be shared among Simon Peter and his partners. God desires to bless us exceedingly, abundantly more than we can ever ask or imagine.
Bible Verses About Business Ethics
As Christian business owners, we are to be a positive example of being people with integrity, not engaging in false promises and manipulation. We should be the thermostat and not the thermometer, setting the culture of how business is to be done. We should not be using devious tricks that the world uses but be ethical with all our business practices. As business owners, we should not compromise our standards but rather be in the world but not of the world.
“Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.” Proverbs 16:8
“Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbour, neither rob him: the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until the morning”. Leviticus 19:13
“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;” Colossians 3:23
“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.” Luke 16:10
“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Mark 8:36
“A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.” Psalm 112:5
Bible Verses For Business Owners
Oftentimes as business owners, we invest long hours trying to grow our business at the expense of our families. Instead, our first ministry should be to our family and not working long hours at their expense.
“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” Colossians 3:17
“He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.” Proverbs 10:4
“Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.” Proverbs 13:11
“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.” Ecclesiastes 9:10
“The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.” Proverbs 21:5
Bible Verses For Business Cards
Adding Bible verses on business cards, is a creative way to share the gospel as you hand out cards to those that are interested in your services. They can also help to keep you grounded reminding you of important values as you seek to build a business with Christ at the center.
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33
“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;” Colossians 3:23
“Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.” Proverbs 16:3
Scriptures On Business
Instead of being taskmasters, and individuals exploiting people of their resources and money, lets choose to be different. Let’s glorify God through the proper stewardship of our business, resources and employees. These Bible verses about business is a great place to start in living out positive values as a follower of Christ. Are you a small business owner? What are some of your favorite scriptures on business that you use to guide your business operations?
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