A helpful Biblical Principle on which to build a business is found in Luke 6:31. This verse, which is known as the Golden Rule, states that we should "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Many great businesses use this principle as the foundation for their business.
Proverbs 10:22 (NIV) The Blessing of the Lord brings wealth without painful toil for it. As business owners, sometimes we fall into the trap of equating our physical wealth with our worth. That is not what defines us. It is fine to strive for success, but our relationship with the Lord is what defines us.
Proverbs 16:3 – Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. When you create a business idea and plan and share it with God, He can make sure that you accomplish it. There's nothing like inviting God to be a part of your business.
Most Christians view business as a means to an end. Businesses enable shareholders and employees to make money, which can be used to support their families and, at times, to donate to someone else who is doing “God's work”.
Our labour mentioned here in Ecclesiastes 3:13 is the business God has called us to start, and He wants us to enjoy the good of our business, which is the money it will generate.
A biblical principle that Christian leaders must follow is to build businesses that have a profit with a purpose. Jesus asked his followers in Mark 8:36 "What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?" This verse teaches a powerful principle that every Christian leader should follow.
“God did not call me to be a minister or a missionary; He called me to be a businessman – and I see no difference.”
The most important thing you can do for your business is pray daily. Start each day in meditation and prayer and you will stay calm as the day's struggles come upon you. Read words from the bible to stay encouraged and balanced. Proverbs 16:3 (NIV) Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
Proverbs 14:23 All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. Proverbs 12:27 The lazy do not roast any game, but the diligent feed on the riches of the hunt. Proverbs 13:4 A sluggard's appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.
It is not wrong to work hard and earn money.
Proverbs 10:4 says, “Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring riches.” God has designed us to work.
Abraham. We know from Genesis 13 that Abram was very wealthy in livestock, gold, and silver. By the time he had to rescue Lot in Genesis 14, he had over 300 trained men, presumably trained in the use of arms. Beyond his wealth, Abram was an entrepreneur.
The Bible teaches that it's possible to wisely save and invest for the future while also being “rich toward God” by “storing up treasures in heaven” (Luke 12:21; Matt. 6:19–21).
– Proverbs 20:4 (NIV) Here's a lesson for entrepreneurs – always be on the lookout for opportunities that lead to a harvest. This verse is probably more about the virtues of having a willingness to work, but it also talks about working in season. With certain seasons come opportunities.
We can also honor God with our businesses by giving away a portion of our profits. You can commit to giving a portion of your profits to a non-profit organization. You could sow into other businesses. You could tithe from your profits.
A business owner should personally tithe 10% of his/her income from all sources before taxes. This includes all types of income received from the business (paychecks, rents, interest, leases, etc) and other sources.
"To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice." ( Proverbs 21:3 NIV) The Lord is just, therefore we must conduct business with integrity and fairness. Not only is fair treatment a Biblical principle, it is likely to improve business relations with employees, co-workers and clients.
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed” (Proverbs 16:1-3). We, as Christian leaders, should use strategic foresight to plan for the future, but then commit the plans to the Lord that He would carry them out according to His will.
Scripture contains several cases of entrepreneurship, but we must first make sure that we are using the proper definition of the word. Entrepreneurship is a creative act that brings higher levels of satisfaction to people, results in more order, and finds ways to create greater value than existed before.
Before you do anything, take it to God in prayer. Ask Him to guide you in a way that glorifies Him. Being humble enough to do this reminds you that your business isn't yours, it belongs to God. This knowledge enables you to bring Him honor and rest in knowing that He'll provide for all your business' needs.
In Leviticus, he records, “when we make a sale or buy from our neighbor, you shall not wrong one another.” (Leviticus 25:14) Fair dealing builds consumer confidence and leads the way for further spending and growth.
Proverbs 22:7 - The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender. One thing is sure; borrowing leads to obligations and loss of freedom. I have counseled too many people who felt trapped and enslaved by their debt.
One can indeed be rich and be a Christian, but one cannot worship God and Mammon (money). Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and do not worry what else gets added to you in this life, whether much or little.
Probably the most well-known scripture about money management that deals with debt is Proverbs 22:7 (NIV), which says, “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.” Translation: If you owe someone money, they'll control your life until you pay it back.
Philippians 4:19: And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Proverbs 10:22: The blessing of the Lord makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. 2 Corinthians 9:8: And God will generously provide all you need.