I believe the Bible has influence on business ethics in multiple ways, both from personal and general business standpoints. As a Christian, the lessons I've personally learned from studying the Bible have made be a better business owner both financially and ethically. When you look at it, one of the biggest core lessons in the Bible is serving others. In the real heart of business, the more you serve other people well the more money you make. The people who take advantage of others do not win long-term.

There are also business principles in the Bible that have been adapted by authors for a secular audience. People may be taught these principles and not even know their origins in the Bible.

If you look at the book of Proverbs, a majority of it is business and life advice. Here are some examples that have had influence on how business is taught:

1) Success Requires Effort, So Don't Be Lazy.

"The desire of the sluggard puts him to death, for his hands refuse to work. All day long he is craving while the righteous gives and does not hold back."-Proverbs 21:25-26

2) Education Is Important to Building Wealth.

"By knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches."-Proverbs 24:4

3) Persistence in the Quality of Your Work Does Matter.

"Poor is he who works with a negligent hand, but the hand of the diligent makes rich."-Proverbs 10:4.

4) Money Gained from Dishonest Methods Does Not Last.

"Wealth obtained by fraud dwindles."-Proverbs 13:11a

5) Who You Take Advice From is Important, and Seek Advice When You Need It.

"Where there is no guidance, the people fall, but in the abundance of counselors, there is victory."-Proverbs 11:14

6) Trying to Get Rich Quick Doesn't Work.

"The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, but everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty."-Proverbs 21:5

7) Having a Giving Heart Can Make You More Successful.

"The generous man will be prosperous and he who waters will himself be watered."-Proverbs 11:25

These are just a few examples out of many. The more I've studied Proverbs, the more I've been able to apply it to my business and life in a very real way. I firmly believe that the Bible is still very relevant to business and society. Even though our technology has changed, how to treat other people right has not.

When I look at how God and the Bible have influence my business life, I can honestly say I know I couldn't have gotten as far as I have on my own based solely on what I was taught in high school and college. I've gone to churches with great pastors and teachers since the age of 19, and what I've learned is that separating your faith and values from your business (which is the pressure from political correctness) does not really help people. From that standpoint, the Bible teaches a way to treat people right and succeed in business.

Learn more about this author, Patricia Gilliam.
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