Bible & Business Etiquette
By definition, etiquette is a code of ethics that tells us how to behave in a professional setting. While specific rules of etiquette change from one culture to the next and across generations, the underlying rules for proper business etiquette are basically the same basic principles of conducting a business. The Bible has plenty to say about business etiquette and ethics, and those principles work just as well today as they did in Bible times.
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Fair Wages
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The Bible is clear that proper business etiquette includes paying an employee what they are owed. In modern times, this means several things. First, an employee must be paid a fair wage as discerned by the law; in other words, at least minimum wage should be paid to all employees. Second, if a salary, hourly pay, benefit or bonus is promised to an employee, the promise must be kept. James 5:4 in the Bible gives a strong warning to those who do not pay their employees fairly. "Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty." God takes it seriously when an employer does not pay employees fairly.
Business Plan
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The Bible's overall theme is that God had a plan from the beginning and he expects people to have a plan as they go about their lives as well. This is especially true in business. A proper business begins with a written plan. It would be poor etiquette to meet with prospective investors without a plan of action. Proverbs 2:15 says, "The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty." The Bible also says that when creating a plan, a wise man seeks counsel. For a businessman, this could be applied to seeking advice, wisdom and experience from others in the same field of business. Proverbs 15:22 says, "Plans go wrong with too few counselors, but many counselors bring success."
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Taxes
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The Bible has plenty to say about Christian businessman paying taxes. It is important to always pay all taxes owed and not to lie or embellish the truth about profits, losses and expenses. In Mark chapter 12, some people ask Jesus if he thinks it is important to pay taxes. He picks up a coin and asks whose picture is on it. They answer that it is Caesar's face and Jesus tells them, "Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God's." In Romans 13:7, it also says "Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, than honor."
Charitable Giving
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An business has a moral responsibility to give to charities and help the poor. While many businesses today do give to charities simply because it is a tax deduction and they are supposed to do it because it is good etiquette and is the ethical thing to do, the motives of giving should come from a spirit of caring and humility. Proverbs 22:9 says, "A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor." In the New Testament, Luke says, "Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." The Bible clearly promises blessing to those who give, and this applies both to the individual and the businessman who sets aside profits from his business to give to those without.
Work Ethic
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The Bible is clear that it takes hard work to become profitable. Proverbs 28:19 says, 'He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty." This does not mean a business man should not be creative and innovative and chase new ideas. Rather, he should work hard to make his ideas become reality so that are not just fantasies. The second book of Timothy reminds us, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who needs to not be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." The Bible says that workers must always do their best so that they will have nothing to be ashamed of at the end of the day.It is rude and improper to show up for work, collect wages and never put in a fair day's work for those wages. Finally, although it is important to work hard and give your all to your business, taking day to rest is just as important---important enough to be listed in the Ten Commandments. "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days shall you labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it shall you do no work" (Exodus 20:8-9).
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