Question

Provide examples** of major themes of the Bible that apply to particular issues regarding ethics in business.

Answer 1

A biblical relationship between employees and employers should be grounded upon a mutual respect.The Bible teaches employers to be honest and fair with employees. Honesty and fairness should be applied to the hours an employee is expected to work, to the wages paid to the employee, and in providing a safe working environment.

There are three types of relationships vital to having an ethical business in accordance with the teachings in the Bible. The business owner should consider their relationship with their employees, fellow competitors, and consumers. The Bible addresses each of these aspects and details how to run both a successful and “God-approving” business.

Business Ethics in Biblical Perspective avoids the danger of proof-texting to support particular interpretations on specific issues. Instead, Cafferky presents and develops 12 biblical themes that should be applied when evaluating specific ethical issues. These include big picture biblical motifs such as creation, holiness, Sabbath, justice, truth, and redemption. Many will recognize these themes from various treatments of biblical theology; indeed, this text has a distinctly theological tone. Building on his theological awareness, Cafferky communicates the complexity of authentic biblical ethics, continually reminding readers that the believer’s conduct, the character of God, and the person and work of Christ must be considered when making ethical claims.

Bible about Business Ethics

Colossians 3:17

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Luke 16:15

And he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.

Psalm 15:1-5

A Psalm of David. O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill? He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart; who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his friend; in whose eyes a vile person is despised, but who honors those who fear the Lord; who swears to his own hurt and does not change; who does not put out his money at interest and does not take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved.

Matthew 6:24

“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. You cannot serve God and money.

Leviticus 19:11

“You shall not steal; you shall not deal falsely; you shall not lie to one another.

Proverbs 22:1

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.

Romans 12:2

Do not be conformed to this world,but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect