Running a business as a Christian means aligning your work with your faith. In the Bible, we find wisdom for ethical practices, integrity, and stewardship. Let’s explore some key verses that guide us in combining our spiritual beliefs with our professional endeavors.
Bible Verses About Business
Proverbs 16:3 – Commit your work to the Lord
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” – Proverbs 16:3
Colossians 3:23 – Work heartily as if you are serving the Lord
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” – Colossians 3:23
Proverbs 22:29 – Diligence leads to success
“Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.” – Proverbs 22:29
1 Corinthians 10:31 – Do everything for the glory of God
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31
Proverbs 21:5 – Planning and hard work lead to profit
“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” – Proverbs 21:5
Matthew 25:14-30 – The parable of the talents teaches stewardship
“For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property.” – Matthew 25:14
Proverbs 10:4 – Laziness leads to poverty
“A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.” – Proverbs 10:4
James 4:13-15 – Planning with humility
“Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit’…” – James 4:13
Ecclesiastes 11:6 – In the morning and the evening, work diligently
“In the morning sow your seed, and at evening withhold not your hand, for you do not know which will prosper…” – Ecclesiastes 11:6
Proverbs 12:11 – Hard work yields good harvests
“Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense.” – Proverbs 12:11
Luke 16:10 – Faithfulness in small matters
“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.” – Luke 16:10
Proverbs 13:11 – Wealth gained hastily will dwindle
“Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” – Proverbs 13:11
Philippians 4:13 – Through Christ, we can do all things
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13
Matthew 7:12 – The Golden Rule applies in business
“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” – Matthew 7:12
Proverbs 19:17 – Helping the poor is lending to the Lord
“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.” – Proverbs 19:17
Isaiah 48:17 – The Lord teaches us to profit
“Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: ‘I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you in the way you should go.'” – Isaiah 48:17
Proverbs 15:22 – Wise counsel in business decisions
“Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” – Proverbs 15:22
Acts 20:35 – It is more blessed to give than receive
“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” – Acts 20:35
Proverbs 16:8 – Better a little with righteousness
“Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice.” – Proverbs 16:8
1 Timothy 6:10 – The love of money is the root of evil
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith…” – 1 Timothy 6:10
Matthew 6:24 – You cannot serve God and money
“No one can serve two masters. For either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.” – Matthew 6:24
Proverbs 14:23 – Hard work brings reward
“In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.” – Proverbs 14:23
Deuteronomy 8:18 – Remember the Lord who gives you the power
“You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth…” – Deuteronomy 8:18
Luke 14:28 – Count the costs before starting
“For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?” – Luke 14:28
Proverbs 10:22 – The blessing of the Lord brings wealth
“The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.” – Proverbs 10:22
Philippians 4:19 – God provides all our needs
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19
Luke 12:15 – Beware of greed
“And he said to them, ‘Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.'” – Luke 12:15
Proverbs 15:27 – Greed brings trouble
“Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household, but he who hates bribes will live.” – Proverbs 15:27
2 Thessalonians 3:10 – Work to eat
“For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:10
Also Read: 30 Important Bible Verses About Being a Princess
What Does the Bible Say About Business?
When we think of the Bible, we might first think of stories about faith, love, and salvation. However, the Bible also provides guidance on many aspects of life, including business practices. Let’s explore what the Bible says about how we should conduct ourselves in business.
One important idea in the Bible is the call for honesty and integrity. We are reminded to be truthful in our dealings and fair in our practices. For example, we are encouraged to use accurate weights and measures to ensure fairness (Proverbs encourages fair trading and the importance of integrity). When we strive for honesty, our businesses can build trust with customers, partners, and employees.
Another key principle is the importance of hard work. The Bible does not condone laziness. Instead, it endorses diligence and responsibility. There are many references urging us to work with all our heart, as if working for the Lord, not just for human bosses (Colossians highlights this perspective). Hard work and dedication are critical, as they lead to success and prosperity.
Additionally, we are advised to act with humility and avoid the trap of pride. This means recognizing that our achievements come with the help of God and the support of others. Pride can lead to unethical behavior and a downfall, but humility fosters respect and longevity in business relationships.
Generosity is another significant theme. We are called to share our blessings, including our resources and profits, with those in need. By helping others, we contribute positively to society and build a compassionate community. The Bible emphasizes that generosity should be sincere and from the heart (2 Corinthians highlights the joy of giving).
Moreover, the Bible encourages us to plan and be wise stewards of our resources. It teaches prudence in making business decisions and warns against impulsive actions. Planning diligently leads to stability and growth, ensuring we are prepared for future challenges.
In summary, the wisdom from the Bible provides a rich foundation for our business practices. Honesty, hard work, humility, generosity, and wise planning are cornerstones that can lead to a prosperous and morally sound business. Let’s remember these principles as we move forward in our entrepreneurial endeavors.