Topical Encyclopedia Commerce, the activity of buying and selling, especially on a large scale, is addressed in various laws and principles throughout the Bible. These laws are designed to ensure fairness, honesty, and integrity in economic transactions, reflecting the moral and ethical standards expected of God's people.Honesty and Fairness in Trade The Bible emphasizes the importance of honesty and fairness in commerce. Leviticus 19:35-36 states, "You must not use dishonest measures of length, weight, or volume. You shall maintain honest scales and weights, an honest ephah and an honest hin. I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt." This command underscores the necessity of integrity in business dealings, prohibiting deceitful practices that exploit others. Similarly, Proverbs 11:1 declares, "Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight." This verse highlights God's disdain for fraudulent practices and His pleasure in just and equitable transactions. Prohibition of Exploitation The Bible also addresses the exploitation of others in commerce. Deuteronomy 24:14-15 instructs, "Do not oppress a hired hand who is poor and needy, whether he is one of your brothers or a foreigner residing in one of your towns. You are to pay his wages each day before sunset, because he is poor and depends on them. Otherwise, he may cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin." This law protects workers from being exploited by ensuring timely and fair compensation for their labor. Interest and Usury The charging of interest, particularly excessive interest, is another area where biblical law provides guidance. Exodus 22:25 advises, "If you lend money to one of My people among you who is poor, you must not act as a creditor to him; you are not to charge him interest." This commandment seeks to prevent the financial oppression of the poor and promote compassion and generosity among God's people. Sabbath and Rest The concept of rest and the observance of the Sabbath also have implications for commerce. Exodus 20:9-10 commands, "Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God; on it you shall not do any work." This law not only provides a rhythm of rest for individuals but also serves as a reminder that economic activity should not overshadow spiritual and communal responsibilities. Just Weights and Measures The principle of just weights and measures is reiterated in Deuteronomy 25:13-16 : "You shall not have two differing weights in your bag, one heavy and one light. You shall not have two differing measures in your house, one large and one small. You must maintain accurate and honest weights and measures, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you. For everyone who behaves dishonestly in regard to these things is detestable to the LORD your God." This passage reinforces the call for integrity in all commercial dealings. Conclusion The biblical laws concerning commerce are deeply rooted in the character of God, who is just, righteous, and compassionate. These laws serve as a guide for ethical business practices, ensuring that commerce is conducted in a manner that honors God and respects the dignity and rights of all individuals involved. Nave's Topical Index Leviticus 19:36,37Just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin, shall you have: I am the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt. Nave's Topical Index Leviticus 25:14,17 Library Commerce On the Government of God The Morning-Meal in the Pharisee's House - Meals and Feasts among ... Book 1. Of Civil Government. The Papacy The Christian Business World Excursus on Usury. The Seven Ecumenical Councils Jews. Resources What can we learn from the tribe of Dan? | GotQuestions.orgWhere was Ur of the Chaldees? | GotQuestions.org What is Christian Socialism? | GotQuestions.org Commerce: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Commerce of the Jews: Checked in Jehoshaphat's Time Commerce of the Jews: Commenced After Their Settlement in Canaan Commerce of the Jews: Greatly Extended by Solomon Commerce of the Jews: Under Strict Laws Commerce: Articles of Blue Cloth Commerce: Articles of Bodies and Souls of Men Commerce: Articles of Chariots Commerce: Articles of Chest of Rich Apparel Commerce: Articles of Chests of Rich Apparel Commerce: Articles of Cinnamon Commerce: Articles of Clothes for Chariots Commerce: Articles of Embroidery Commerce: Articles of Frankincense Commerce: Articles of Iron and Steel Commerce: Articles of Peacocks Commerce: Articles of Perfumes Commerce: Articles of Precious Stones Commerce: Articles of Sweet Cane Commerce: Articles of Thyine Wood Commerce: Articles of White Wool Commerce: Articles of, Called: Merchandise Commerce: Articles of, Called: Wares Commerce: Called: Buying and Selling Commerce: Carried on by Egyptians Commerce: Carried on by Ethiopians Commerce: Carried on by Ishmaelites Commerce: Carried on by Means of Caravans Commerce: Carried on by Means of Ships Commerce: Carried on by Ninevites Commerce: Carried on by People of Tarshish Commerce: Carried on by People of Tyre Commerce: Carried on by Syrians Commerce: Denunciations Connected With Abuses of Commerce: Evil Practices Connected With Commerce: Illustrative of Intercourse With the Apostasy Commerce: Increased the Wealth of Nations and Individuals Commerce: Persons Engaged In, Called: Chapmen Commerce: Persons Engaged In, Called: Merchants Commerce: Persons Engaged In, Called: Sellers and Buyers Commerce: Persons Engaged In, Called: Traffickers Commerce: Persons of Distinction Engaged In Commerce: Success In, Led to Pride Commerce: The Barter of One Commodity for Another Commerce: The Exchange of Commodities for Money Commerce: Transportation of Passengers Related Terms |
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