Topical Bible: Commerce: Called: Buying and Selling

◄ Commerce: Called: Buying and Selling ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Commerce, in the context of the Bible, refers to the activities of buying and selling goods and services. This practice is an integral part of human society and is frequently mentioned throughout the Scriptures. The Bible provides guidance on ethical conduct in commerce, emphasizing honesty, fairness, and integrity.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, commerce was a vital part of daily life, especially in agrarian and trade-based societies. The Law of Moses provided specific regulations to ensure fairness and justice in commercial transactions. For instance, 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."

The wisdom literature also addresses commerce, highlighting the importance of honest dealings. Proverbs 11:1 declares, "Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight." This underscores the moral imperative for integrity in business practices.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, commerce continues to play a significant role. Jesus Himself engaged with the commercial world, often using it as a backdrop for His teachings. In the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), Jesus illustrates the importance of wise and diligent stewardship, which includes the prudent management of resources and investments.

The early Christian community also grappled with issues related to commerce. In Acts 16:14 , we read about Lydia, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God and whose heart the Lord opened to respond to Paul's message. This indicates that commerce was not only a means of livelihood but also a context for ministry and witness.

Ethical Considerations

The Bible consistently emphasizes ethical considerations in commerce. Honesty and integrity are paramount, as seen in passages like Proverbs 20:23 : "Unequal weights are detestable to the LORD, and dishonest scales are no good." The prophets frequently condemned those who exploited others through unjust commercial practices, as seen in Amos 8:5-6 , where merchants are criticized for skimping on the measure, boosting the price, and cheating with dishonest scales.

Moreover, the Bible warns against the love of money and materialism, which can corrupt ethical standards in commerce. 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."

Commerce as a Means of Provision and Blessing

While the Bible warns against unethical practices, it also acknowledges commerce as a legitimate means of provision and blessing. Deuteronomy 8:18 reminds the Israelites, "But remember that it is the LORD your God who gives you the power to gain wealth, in order to confirm His covenant that He swore to your fathers, as it is this day."

Commerce, when conducted with integrity and in accordance with God's principles, can be a means of blessing not only for the individual but also for the community. It provides opportunities for employment, sustenance, and the sharing of resources, reflecting God's provision and care for His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

James 4:13
Go to now, you that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Commerce
... five quarters of the town, which were called after the ... But no sketch of commerce
among the early Jews ... one district for those of another, to buying and selling ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 12 commerce.htm

The Image of the Beast.
... among men, it may then be properly called the mark ... of the beast, were to be prohibited
from buying and selling ... no, not so much as to exercise commerce with them ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the image of the beast.htm

Of the Mass.
... in the whole world from the buying and selling ... and every solemnity, rite, and commerce
connected with it ... desert] their own parish [their called ministers, their ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/luther/the smalcald articles/article ii of the mass.htm

Leadership for Service
... are these: The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and ... Or is commerce constitutionally
incapable of it ... restraint, and the beauty of cooperative buying and selling ...
/.../the social principles of jesus/chapter vii leadership for service.htm

The Call of Matthew - the Saviour's Welcome to Sinners - Rabbinic ...
... then strike the great road of Eastern commerce, which led ... The Mokhes was called great'
[2469] if he employed substitutes ... it was not a time for buying and selling ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xvii the call of.htm

The Mystery
... should be held with them in buying and selling ... the person from the internal and visible
commerce with other ... thing but the name; therefore it is called the mark ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the mystery 2.htm

Twenty-Seven Articles Respecting the Reformation of the Christian ...
... (Philippians 2:7.) He should properly be called the counter-Christ, whom the Scriptures
call Antichrist; for his whole existence, work, and proceedings are ...
/.../iii twenty-seven articles respecting the.htm

The Sixth vision "On Earth"
... And they (ie, the demon spirits of verse 14) gathered them (ie, the kings and their
armies) together unto the place which is called in Hebrew Har-mageddon [338 ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the sixth vision on earth.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... Running horizontally from it is a passage so low as to prevent a man standing upright
in it, which leads to the sepulchral chamber properly so called, hewn out ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... is to say, the Cossaean deities, as "the lady of the shining mountains, the inhabitants
of the summits, the frequenter of peaks." She is called Shimalia in ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm