Topical Encyclopedia Commerce, as a fundamental aspect of human society, is addressed in the Bible with both positive and negative connotations. While trade and economic activity are necessary for the sustenance and development of communities, Scripture warns against various evil practices that can corrupt commerce. These practices are often highlighted as moral and ethical pitfalls that believers are urged to avoid.Dishonest Scales and Deceptive Practices One of the most frequently condemned practices in commerce is the use of dishonest scales and measures. The Bible explicitly warns against deceit in trade, emphasizing the importance of honesty and integrity. Proverbs 11:1 states, "Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight." Similarly, Leviticus 19:35-36 instructs, "You must not use dishonest measures of length, weight, or volume. You shall have honest scales and honest weights, an honest ephah, and an honest hin." Exploitation and Oppression The exploitation of the poor and vulnerable is another evil practice associated with commerce. The prophets frequently denounce those who use their economic power to oppress others. Amos 8:4-6 highlights this issue: "Hear this, you who trample the needy, who do away with the poor of the land, asking, 'When will the New Moon be over, that we may sell grain? And the Sabbath, that we may market wheat? We can reduce the ephah, increase the shekel, and cheat with dishonest scales. We can buy the poor with silver and the needy for a pair of sandals, selling even the chaff with the wheat!'" Greed and Materialism Greed is a pervasive evil in commerce, often leading individuals to prioritize wealth over righteousness. The New Testament warns against the love of money, which can lead to various sins. 1 Timothy 6:10 cautions, "For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows." The pursuit of wealth at the expense of ethical conduct is a recurring theme in biblical teachings. Unjust Gain and Corruption The pursuit of unjust gain is another evil practice condemned in Scripture. Ezekiel 22:12 addresses this issue: "In you they take bribes to shed blood; you take usury and excessive interest; you make unjust gain from your neighbors by extortion. And you have forgotten Me, declares the Lord GOD." The Bible consistently calls for fair dealings and condemns those who enrich themselves through corruption and exploitation. Idolatry and Commerce The intertwining of commerce and idolatry is also addressed in the Bible. In Revelation 18, the fall of Babylon is depicted as a judgment against a system that has become corrupt through its commercial practices. Revelation 18:11-13 describes the lament of merchants over the fall of Babylon, highlighting the materialism and idolatry that characterized its commerce. Conclusion The Bible provides clear guidance on the ethical conduct expected in commerce, warning against practices that lead to injustice, exploitation, and idolatry. Believers are called to engage in trade with honesty, integrity, and a heart aligned with God's righteousness, avoiding the moral pitfalls that can accompany economic activity. Nave's Topical Index Proverbs 29:14The king that faithfully judges the poor, his throne shall be established for ever. Nave's Topical Index Ezekiel 22:13 Hosea 12:7 Library The Saviour's Last Command. Christ Cleansing the Temple Of the Mass. The Deputation from Jerusalem - the Three Sects of the Pharisees ... The Birth of England's Foreign Missions The Sixth vision "On Earth" The Abrogation of the Saybrook Platform The Epistle of St. James The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued) The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire Resources What are blue laws? What is a biblical view of blue laws? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of Cyprus in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Is there such a thing as absolute truth / universal truth? | 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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