What do the Scriptures say about questionable business deali

[mystic]

This might be a tough one for you Dan [sorry ] I think this is big deal for the business community as we always have to make ethical decisions. I refused designing and helping with Porn websites because I think it would have been myself supporting things which go against Scripture. However there are times when it's it grey area so what then?

Examples would be, should a Christian/Jew Contractor build a temple or Mosque? Should a Christian/Jew own a Bar? Especially in hard times when people in the Private sector needs every cent they can work for, should they give up or pass on employment opportunities and starve and not be able to pay their bills? Any Scriptures reflecting situations like these please?

Found this article here below but I can poke holes in the guy's commentaries as the scriptures he uses with his commentaries can go both ways:

www.huffpost.com/entry/small-business-owner-bible_b_1426541

[alon]

Sept 25, 2021 4:32:18 GMT -8 mystic said:

This might be a tough one … I think this is big deal for the business community as we always have to make ethical decisions. 

This one is tough because it covers the entire Torah, and the whole Bible as well. Every verse covering business practices, morality, and holy living would apply. So where to start?

mystic said: I refused designing and helping with Porn websites because I think it would have been myself supporting things which go against Scripture. However there are times when it's it grey area so what then?

That’s a good thing. Pornography would definitely go against biblical standards. If it is biblically wrong for you to indulge in it, it would also be wrong to help others to indulge:

1 Corinthians 8:10-110 For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol's temple, will he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols? 11 And so by your knowledge this weak person is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died.

mystic said: Examples would be, should a Christian/Jew Contractor build a temple or Mosque? Should a Christian/Jew own a Bar?

See above. If you should not be there or be doing that, then neither should he. And certainly you should not encourage or enable a weaker persons participation.

mystic said: Especially in hard times when people in the Private sector needs every cent they can work for, should they give up or pass on employment opportunities and starve and not be able to pay their bills? Any Scriptures reflecting situations like these please?

Often what is NOT there in scripture is just as important as what is. We were never told God’s morality changes when we experience hard times. He does however say to call on Him, to trust in Him, and that He is sufficient to see us through:

2 Corinthians 3:5  Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God,

Sufficiancy is another way to say competence, which comes from God. A saying along those lines goes “I am sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency.” You do not need to be able to handle it all on your own; you can draw from the limitless strength of God.

mystic said: Found this article here below but I can poke holes in the guy's commentaries as the scriptures he uses with his commentaries can go both ways:

I guess that artical is a good place to start. First of though, let’s get a good translation. I will use the ESV, which was translated with accuracy (albeit from a Christian perspective) in mind.


Deuteronomy 8:18  You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day.

They say: All of our skills and special talents that we use in our businesses are all given to us by God. He gives us the ability to make money and cut deals. He did it for our parents and mentors and he does it for us too.

I would agree, but with one caveat: God is under no obligation to help us succeed in anything. In fact, it may be His will that you fail either to teach you something, or to move you in a different direction. Or maybe to be a witness to someone. Or maybe some just think that He will do all the work or work around their incompetence or indecision. Whatever the reason, God may allow you to fail.


Romans 12:2  Do not be conformed to this world,[age] 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. [Or what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God]

They say: The bible commands us to be innovative in our businesses. We should not ever try to be like anyone else. The world is still waiting on a better mousetrap, and we should never rest on our successes. We must renew ourselves by being lifelong learners and reading constantly.

I have to disagree. We can and should try to emulate successful people. Not copy them, but discern what business practices help them that could help us. And if thy have good idea that could make you more productive certainly copy that. Just don’t copy everything. Look to different sources and to your own innovation.


1 Thessalonians 5:16-19  Rejoice always,  pray without ceasing,  give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.  Do not quench the Spirit.

They say: It is important to have a prayerful life as an entrepreneur; it will help you on those days when things do not go your way. You need to have the strength to thank God, even when you do not win that big contract. God protects us when we do not get opportunities that we think we can’t survive without. Always be grateful.

Yes; easier said than done though. Nothing wrong with feeling let down or disheartened. That’s a natural response. Just do not get stuck n the “down”position. That’s fatal to a business, small or large.


Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

They say: Many entrepreneurs struggle with pride. Do not be afraid to tell clients or employees that you do not know the answer. Try to diffuse any issues with truth and by taking full responsibility for fixing the problem. Never let your ego get in the way of doing what’s in the best interest of your business.

Agree. However conversely it is good to take pride in your work, and let customers know it. Just don’t be obnoxious about it. And always remember where your pride lies, who gave you the talents and abilities, and who it is that blesses the work you do.

Hebrews 12:11  For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

They say: You must be fiscally disciplined in business. You cannot put all your hard work at risk by not being focused on your big picture goals and your monthly sales goals. It is painful at times, but it will produce quite a harvest

A bit different interpretation of this scripture than is usually thought of, but I’d say very appropriate. Fiscal disciplined can be tough, but being overextended is tougher.


1 Corinthians 9:24  Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.

They say: Running a business is hard. It’s a marathon not a sprint. There will be plenty of stumbling blocks in your way. Everyone trips and falls while running this race, but winners get up faster than everyone else. You must do what you need to do to win your race.

True, but within the limits of being fair to your customers, and even to your competitors. You do not want a “war” on your hands from an angry competitor. One thing that might help in how we look at a competitor is they can be your best ally. It is a sales principle that most people have to be “hit” 5-7 times with advertisement before they will decide to buy. A small business cannot afford that, but several businesses can. So yes, your competition will benefit from your advertisements; but then you will benefit from theirs as well. Because you all advertise, many people that would otherwise not buy will do so, and everyone makes out. he trick is positioning yourself to take advantage of this phenomenon.


Ecclesiastes 11:4 He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap.

They say: You must be willing to make decisions in your small business. No one is going to come along and do it for you. Make hard decisions quickly, so you can move on to doing the work needed to help your customers.

Agree, although this more deals with the lazy or daydreamers. Noting grows just because you wish it would. It takes decisiveness and hard work to bring in a harvest.

Proverbs 11:14  Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.

They say: It is critical to have a kitchen cabinet of advisors for your small business. Your business will not survive on your experience alone. Pull together four to five people who are invested in your success. The group should include an existing entrepreneur, a customer, a mentor, a lawyer and an accountant. Seek out a mastermind group or peer to peer mentoring program to help as well.

Agree, as long as you understand the ultimate responsibility for the decision is yours, and it must be made in a timely manor then acted upon swiftly. And whenever listening to advice, be open minded but discerning.


The rest of thse have to do with trust:


2 Corinthians 9:8  And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency [Or all contentment] in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

They say: God always delivers to us what we need in order to do our best work. Sometimes he sends a check we need just in time, and other times he sends us creativity to find the best solution to our challenges. Trust in the Lord at all times.

Difficult, but understand God trains us in this way. If we cannot trust in small things, how will we trust Him in the really tough times? Hard to do, but remember that sometimes we are tested so we’ll be strengthened for later trials.


2 Timothy 1:7  for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

They say: Fear is the enemy of entrepreneurship. God wants us to go out with the power he gives us to pursue our ideas in business.

Typical “power speak” from many Charismatic churces, but nonetheless true. Go out trusting God to guide your decisions and to bless your efforts. And when it seems this has failed, trust that there will be enough. Sometimes just enough, and often just in time. But in such a way stronger trust is developed.


Mark 5:36  But overhearing [Or ignoring; some manuscripts hearing] what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.”

They say: There will be times when you are the only person who believes in your business dream. Don’t be afraid. Believe in yourself and your business idea.

Yeah, good advice, but never believe in yourself so strongly you cannot hear advice or more importantly hear God. And never believe in yourself more than God. Believe instead in yourself in God; in His will and in His might.


Philippians 4:13  I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

They say: Whenever you struggle with your self-confidence read this bible verse to yourself. There will be times in your business when you need to force yourself to stretch beyond what you think is possible. You can do it. I believe in you.

Well, since he doesn’t even know me I’d have to say “bull.” I’ve had a few small businesses, and eventually failed at them all. So take the above advice either as hard experience talking or with a grain of salt (or both). Honestly, my biggest downfall is I HATE paperwork! It usually got done on the weekend after papers started falling off my desk because the pile was too big. I was in rebellion all that time, so I’d cuss and fuss so much the wife would take the kids and leave for the day. Later I’d find receipts that should have been billed out, but too late because I’d already billed the customer. And when you are late billing, some people take that as license to be late paying. Also the longer after the work is done the less perceived value the work has to them. I know … but I STILL hate paperwork! 

In Revelation chs. 2 & 3 Yeshua said “To him that overcomes …” But paperwork, really? Sometimes I think that’s why God gave me this moderators gig. But it’s paperwork I can enjoy, so I suppose “where sin increased, grace abounded all the more.” (Rom 5:20b).

[mystic]

Thanks for the detailed help. Thing is on my new Advertising Services website I cannot discriminate so I would not be able to offer my help to any religious Organization unless I should be contacted privately by a Jewish/Christian Organization. This will mean less potential for income. if someone from any other Religion should contact me it will be uncomfortable for me to say no and tell them why.

Few years ago I had built a site for a guy who was selling under garments and lingerie and he was a good customer but then he approached me to include a section for Pornographic stuff. I hesitated because I did not want to come off as judging him but I eventually told him why I could not do it and left it up to him and the programmer I was working with if he who was hindu would want to help him. I could tell the disappointment in his tone but we parted ways peacefully. It wasn't a good feeling for me tbh as I instinctively do not like hurting anyone's feelings but......

[alon]

Sept 26, 2021 4:38:04 GMT -8 mystic said:

Thanks for the detailed help. Thing is on my new Advertising Services website I cannot discriminate so I would not be able to offer my help to any religious Organization unless I should be contacted privately by a Jewish/Christian Organization. This will mean less potential for income. if someone from any other Religion should contact me it will be uncomfortable for me to say no and tell them why.

Few years ago I had built a site for a guy who was selling under garments and lingerie and he was a good customer but then he approached me to include a section for Pornographic stuff. I hesitated because I did not want to come off as judging him but I eventually told him why I could not do it and left it up to him and the programmer I was working with if he who was hindu would want to help him. I could tell the disappointment in his tone but we parted ways peacefully. It wasn't a good feeling for me tbh as I instinctively do not like hurting anyone's feelings but......

That is tough when laws get involved. Our system of government has now completely gone over to the enemy, so the laws , the courts, and enforcement are only going to get worse. And the left itself is stirred  up to the point of coming after believers who stand up for what they believe hard! Like those  bakers in Oregon who refused to make a gay wedding cake. They were sued, won, and sued repeatedly after that. But they held true to their faith and beliefs.

I can't tell you where your faith and trust lies, or where to  draw the line. All I can tell you are the biblical principles, and that we  all are about to be tested. I don't even know that refusing all religious work would keep you safe in the current climate. And there may come a time when just being a believer or meeting together will be unsafe. The Jews for  the last 2000+ years are our example. The enemy has tried to wipe them out  many times over, yet they remain; and strong enough to reclaim their own land and reform a nation! All I can do (besides pointing out he principles) is encourage us all to keep to our faith, trust in Almighty God, and let  Him carry us through regardless the consequences.          

[mystic]

Amen!

[mystic]

What about "loopholes" in business. I am coming across situations when breaking the rules or looking for loopholes is the norm and is necessary if you want to be successful but are breaking rules unbiblical?

[alon]

Dec 14, 2021 8:09:50 GMT -8 mystic said:

What about "loopholes" in business. I am coming across situations when breaking the rules or looking for loopholes is the norm and is necessary if you want to be successful but are breaking rules unbiblical?

loophole- A way of avoiding or escaping a cost or legal burden that would otherwise apply by means of an omission or ambiguity in the wording of a contract or law.

So generally, no. However in common usage it can mean anything from the above to a legitimate tax exemption. If as in the definition above, just because everyone else does it does not make it right. If an exemption written into law then really, it is not a "loophole" and every one of these should be taken advantage of. In between those is too vast a domain for me to comment on.