These days, you can’t go far without hearing about some new business venture or business idea that is taking the world by storm. With so many business matters, you may wonder what the Bible says about it.
Interestingly, the Bible has a lot to say about business. Many biblical principles can be applied to business to help it run smoothly and successfully. Below are the 12 verses that relate to business. As you read through them, think about how you can apply these principles to your business venture.
1. Deuteronomy 8:18 NIV
“But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.”
In today’s business world, getting caught up in the hustle and bustle of making deals and earning money is easy. However, this verse reminds us that it is important to thank God for our ability to do so. This is because God gives us the ability to make money and succeed in business through myriad resources.
2. Romans 12:2 NIV
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by renewing your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
This Bible verse tells us that we should not get caught up in what the world is doing. Instead, we should focus on God and His will for our lives. When we are focused on Him, everything else will fall into place. Therefore, to succeed in business, you must keep God first and always look for ways to improve your craft.
3. I Thessalonians 5:16-19 NIV
“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances; this is the will of God for your life.”
This Bible verse is an excellent reminder for entrepreneurs to stay prayerful and thankful in all circumstances, even when business is slow, or we face complex challenges. After all, God has provided for our needs, so we must trust that He will continue to do so. We should also remember to stay joyful and give thanks.
4. Proverbs 16:18 NIV
“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
A lot of entrepreneurs these days are very prideful. This verse means that if you have too much pride, it will eventually lead to your downfall. As an entrepreneur, you should never be afraid to admit when you don’t know something or when a problem needs to be fixed. You’re not perfect, and neither is your business, so embrace your mistakes and learn from them.
5. II Corinthians 9:8 NIV
“And God can bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
This verse is often quoted regarding business. What it’s saying is that God will provide for His children. He will give us what we need to be successful. This doesn’t mean that we will never have struggles or problems. It means that God will provide us with the resources and wisdom we need to overcome them. Business can be a difficult and stressful endeavor, but with God’s help, we can be successful.
6. II Timothy 1:7 NIV
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
We need to have power in our businesses. But the kind of power comes from God and not the world. We also need to have self-discipline if we want to be successful in business. This means we need to control ourselves and our actions by focusing on our goals and not being distracted by other things. Lastly, we need to love what we do, as it won’t be easy to succeed in business if otherwise.
7. Hebrews 12:11 NIV
“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”
Nothing is easily attainable from the start. However, if we trust in the process and have faith, eventually, we will see the fruit of our labor. A business may not be easy, but if we follow biblical principles, it will produce a harvest of righteousness and peace.
8. I Corinthians 9:24 NIV
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.”
Business is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. We should pace ourselves and not burn out too quickly. Therefore, we must be persistent, strive, and never give up on our chosen business endeavors. We should give our best effort and be the best we can be.
9. Mark 5:36 NIV
Overhearing what they said, Jesus told them, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”
We can apply this verse in the context of starting a business. This is because when we go into business, there are many unknowns. We don’t know if our product will be successful or if we will make enough money to sustain ourselves. But if we trust that God has a plan for our lives, then we can have faith that He will take care of us no matter what happens with our business venture.
10. Ecclesiastes 11:4 AMP
“He who observes the wind [and waits for all conditions to be favorable] will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap.”
This verse says we need to be wise about starting our businesses. We can’t just wait for the perfect conditions because they may never come. We must be willing to take risks, which sometimes means starting before everything is lined up perfectly. This way, we can learn from our mistakes and grow our businesses into something successful.
11. Proverbs 11:14 NIRV
“Without the guidance of good leaders, a nation falls. But many good advisers can save it.”
Every business owner must have trusted advisors who can help them see their business from different angles and give godly counsel. This way, the owner can avoid making costly mistakes that could jeopardize the business.
12. Philippians 4:13 NKJV
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
This is a famous verse for a good reason. It is a great reminder that with God’s help, we can do anything He calls us to do. This includes running a successful business. Therefore, we must not be afraid to use our skills and talents for His glory. We can trust that He will give us the wisdom and strength we need to overcome any challenges we face.
Bottom Line
If we hope to start a successful business, we must seek God’s direction and wisdom. The Bible has much to say about businesses, and these biblical principles can help us build a strong foundation for our businesses.
Therefore, we must study His Word to learn what He expects from us as business owners. God wants us to be good stewards of the resources He’s given us. When we put Him before our business, He will bless our efforts and allow us to succeed. We can also seek godly counsel from other believers to help us make wise decisions and thrive in our businesses.
