A Christian business-owner in my congregation recently related his desire for Christlike business ethics. As he spoke, my mind ran to the resolutions Jonathan Edwards made when just a teen. Perhaps, I thought, it would be helpful for Christian business people to rehearse pithy, thoroughly biblical convictions about God’s expectations for doing business.

Below is my effort to create such a list. Three recommendations: First, I’d encourage reading the Bible reference first and then the resolution as a companion. Second, the resolutions are general enough to accommodate a range of Biblical convictions on potentially controversial topics like tithing, borrowing, or treatment of the Lord’s day. Third, I’m certain to have forgotten a few good ones—I’m eager for quality additions in the comments.

Resolved:

  • to pray before every business day, asking for guidance in God’s will (James 4:13-15).
  • to reserve Sundays, as much as I am able (Matthew 12:11), for worship (John 20:1), rest (Exodus 20:8-10), and fellowship (Acts 2:42).
  • to pay all taxes the government demands (Romans 13:5-6; Matthew 22:21).
  • to pay employees fair and prompt wages (Deuteronomy 24:15; James 5:4 ).
  • to clothe all business dealings with integrity (Leviticus 19:36; Proverbs 11:3).
  • to refuse bribes (Proverbs 15:27).
  • to invest my returns in God’s Kingdom where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break through and steal (Matthew 6:19-21).
  • to pay invoices fully and promptly (Romans 13:7).
  • never to take business disputes with other Christians before secular court, but to allow local church leaders to adjudicate (1 Corinthians 6:1-7).
  • to use gain as an opportunity for more faith, not less (2 Corinthians 5:7).
  • to remember that I will retain none of my earthly gains in the next life (Ecclesiastes 5:15).
  • to remember that God expects Kingdom returns on the investment He’s made in me (Matthew 25:14-30).
  • to use God’s blessing as an opportunity to give cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7), sacrificially (2 Corinthians 8:1-5), and systematically (Nehemiah 10:35-38).
  • to use my gain to care for my family (1 Timothy 5:8).
  • to suffer loss in a business dispute rather than bring disunity to God’s people (1 Corinthians 6:7; Hebrews 12:14).
  • to borrow only for assets of secure value and well within the boundaries of godly wisdom (Romans 13:8; Proverbs 22:7).
  • to use my gain as an opportunity to lend mercifully, expecting nothing in return (Luke 6:35-36).
  • to refuse disingenuous tactics while negotiating (Proverbs 20:14).
  • to surround myself with godly business mentors (Proverbs 22:17).
  • to remember that all financial success comes from God (Psalm 67:6).
  • to obey my boss and submit to all business authorities within the boundaries of my Christian conscience (Hebrews 13:17).
  • never to steal materials, time, money, or intellectual property from customers, employers, or rival companies (Exodus 20:15).
  • to redeem the day’s time (Ephesians 5:16) with diligent effort (Proverbs 6:6-12) as unto the Lord (Ephesians 6:5-6).
  • to resolve all business disputes as quickly as possible (Matthew 5:23-26).
  • never to secure the debt of another (Proverbs 6:1-5).
  • to be content with my wages (1 Timothy 6:6) and joyful in my labor (Ecclesiastes 5:18).
  • never to seek to be rich (1 Timothy 6:9).