Topical Bible: Commerce: Denunciations Connected With Abuses of

◄ Commerce: Denunciations Connected With Abuses of ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Commerce, the activity of buying and selling, especially on a large scale, is a significant aspect of human society and is addressed in various contexts within the Bible. While commerce itself is not condemned, the Scriptures provide numerous warnings and denunciations against the abuses and unethical practices associated with it. These abuses often stem from greed, dishonesty, and exploitation, which are contrary to the principles of justice and righteousness upheld in the Bible.

Dishonest Scales and Deceptive Practices

The Bible frequently condemns the use of dishonest scales and deceptive practices in commerce. Proverbs 11:1 states, "Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight." This verse underscores the importance of honesty and integrity in business dealings. Similarly, Proverbs 20:23 warns, "Unequal weights are detestable to the LORD, and dishonest scales are no good." These passages highlight that God values fairness and truthfulness in commercial transactions.

Exploitation and Oppression of the Poor

The exploitation of the poor and vulnerable in commerce is another significant concern addressed in the Scriptures. Amos 8:4-6 provides a vivid denunciation of those who exploit the needy for personal gain: "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?—skimping the measure, boosting the price, and cheating with dishonest scales, buying the poor with silver and the needy for a pair of sandals, selling even the chaff with the wheat!'" This passage illustrates the moral corruption and greed that can pervade commerce, leading to the oppression of the less fortunate.

Greed and Materialism

The Bible also warns against the dangers of greed and materialism, which can manifest in commercial activities. In 1 Timothy 6:9-10, Paul cautions, "Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. 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." This passage emphasizes that the pursuit of wealth, when driven by greed, can lead to spiritual and moral downfall.

Condemnation of Unjust Gain

The pursuit of unjust gain is another abuse of commerce condemned in the Bible. Ezekiel 22:12-13 speaks against those who engage in such practices: "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." This denunciation highlights the moral decay associated with exploiting others for financial gain and the spiritual consequences of such actions.

Judgment Against Corrupt Merchants

The Bible also pronounces judgment against corrupt merchants who engage in unethical practices. In Micah 6:10-12, the prophet declares, "Am I still to forget, O wicked house, your ill-gotten treasures and the short ephah, which is accursed? Shall I acquit a man with dishonest scales and with a bag of false weights? Her rich men are full of violence, her inhabitants speak lies, and their tongues are deceitful in their mouths." This passage serves as a warning that God will not overlook the injustices perpetrated by those who engage in corrupt commerce.

Conclusion

The Bible's denunciations of abuses in commerce serve as a reminder of the ethical standards expected of those engaged in business. Honesty, fairness, and concern for the well-being of others are paramount, and the pursuit of wealth must not come at the expense of righteousness and justice.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 23:11
He stretched out his hand over the sea, he shook the kingdoms: the LORD has given a commandment against the merchant city, to destroy the strong holds thereof.
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Ezekiel 7:12,13
The time is come, the day draws near: let not the buyer rejoice, nor the seller mourn: for wrath is on all the multitude thereof.
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Ezekiel 27:32-36
And in their wailing they shall take up a lamentation for you, and lament over you, saying, What city is like Tyrus, like the destroyed in the middle of the sea?
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Ezekiel 28:16-18
By the multitude of your merchandise they have filled the middle of you with violence, and you have sinned: therefore I will cast you as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy you, O covering cherub, from the middle of the stones of fire.
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