Here are the most important biblical principles that lead to success.
*There are so many principles listed in scripture; here are the “Business Worlds” top 7
1. Do the back end work-Business Due Diligence.
This Principle is based on learning due diligence, for me, through Biblical study. For years, I personally have studied from both New Testament Pastoral teaching and Messianic Rabbinical scholars, focused on the Jewishness of Yeshua Jesus and the Torah, on all life topics. I have learned to ask why, to make sure I am grasping the basic issues of that day, along with principles of faith. Retraining my mind to the basic understanding of the language spoken and taught throughout scripture, has benefited my life in so many ways. Studying alone was not enough for me. I pair with other students and teachers that spend a great deal of time discussing questions related to relevant topics and of course Biblical study. Through this, I have learned to ask questions and debate with others not to prove anything or simply for the sake of an argument, but for deeper wisdom on the principles in question.
Business should be approached in that same manner. Do your homework, research your competition, test your market, know your business strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. There is no shortcut for doing homework in business and understanding the competitive landscape. Major mistakes can often times be avoided and opportunities founded by speaking to experts in certain fields, having your banker/financial advisor tear apart your business plan, doing a focused market study, analyzing budgeted expenses and doing basic homework – Business Due Diligence.
2. Treat your Employees fair and honest.
One of the most difficult parts in running a business is dealing with employee issues. Often, employees can be demanding or needy. They may be seeking raises, time off, expenses, other employee conflicts and so much more, especially during a pandemic. When confronted with these types of issues, think of this Biblical principle of paying employees on time: “The wages of a worker shall not remain with you all night until the morning” (Lev 19:13). Work is a just basis for an equitable claim. Therefore it should be paid for, not patronizingly, nor grudgingly, but as a due. The laborer has given you his time, strength, ability, and ingenuity; he has a right to an equivalent from you, and should not be degraded, but respectfully, in asking a just return. Scripture also commands us not to take advantage of employees: “You shall not abuse a needy and destitute laborer, whether a fellow countryman or a stranger” (Deut, 24:14). Send not the laborer home with a heavy heart, to make the heart of his wife and family heavy likewise. By all means give him that for which he has wrought, to which he has a right, and on which his heart is set. Thus does our God take notice of the very throbbing’s of the laborer’s heart, and make provision for his rising expectations. Precious grace! Most tender, thoughtful, touching, condescending love! The bare contemplation of such statutes is sufficient to throw one into a flood of tenderness. Could any one read them and thoughtlessly dismiss a poor laborer, not knowing whether he and his family have wherewithal to meet the cravings of hunger? (quote:C. H. Mackintosh) This principle has taught me to always treat employees equally and fairly. I applied an absolute level of fairness among employees when it came to salary or overtime and all other issues be it race, age, gender, religion, color – they have no bearing on being fair. It is always difficult to say no, but when you develop a reputation for fairness to your employees, they respect you more and know that they can and will be treated properly.
3. Reach the highest level of customer service/care.
Simple, just employ a very simple standard for customer care: The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these. (Mark 12:31) put yourself in the shoes of the customer and treat them as you want to be treated, “do unto others.” While many companies struggle with how to handle customer service, following this standard is the best way to build a long term loyal customer base.
We all prefer to patronize businesses that are fair on returns/exchanges and that treat us well. We refer our friends there. When any company is launched top customer service is a great competitive advantage in a marketplace. On the other hand, poor customer service will land you on social media with poor reviews. A high level of customer service will differentiated businesses in the marketplace and enable a loyal customer base. Treat your customers the way you’d want to be treated. The Golden Rule!
4. Be Honest and Honorable Always.
How much information do we disclose to our customers? Do we deliver exactly what was ordered or something with a lesser grade to make a higher profit? Do we charge the customer more than what was agreed to charge? God Forbid NO! These answers are easy when you follow the Bible’s guidance: “You shall have just balances and just weights” (Lev. 19:36). Blessed are the people who know the joyful shout, They walk in the light of Your presence, Adonai (Psalm 89:16)
Don’t Cheat “Do not put a stumbling block before the blind” (Lev. 19:14) means do not take advantage when the other party doesn’t know or see what you are doing to their disadvantage. (before the blind do not place a stumbling block), The principle of “lifnei iver” a Hebrew expression defining a prohibition against misleading people; ie: prohibits one from giving bad advice to another person.
Yeshua Jesus speaks to this in Matthew chapter 18: 7-8 (TLV) Woe to the world because of snares! For snares must come, but woe to that man through whom the snare comes! “And if your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away from you. It’s better for you to enter into life crippled or lame than, having two hands or two feet, to be thrown into fiery Gehenna. This is a big warning, don’t be a stumbling block!
We are often confronted with situations where we can increase profits by cutting corners or otherwise take advantage of the customer in a way that they might not know about, but is it right? When confronted with dilemmas, the answer is easy when following the biblical principle of not putting a stumbling block before anyone. Don’t cheat your customers, even if they don’t know about it.
5. Act as if you are Never Alone. Working together with the Holy Spirit.
Maybe a customer overpays you by handing you a wrong bill. Maybe you are refunded twice on the same transaction. What if you are given a $50 bill instead of a $10 bill. Do you keep those monies that were mistakenly given you or do you give it back? Would anyone really know? God Always Knows….
(Proverbs 15: 3-4)The eyes of Adonai are everywhere, observing the wicked and the good. A healing tongue is a tree of life, but a deceitful one crushes the spirit. The Jewish Sages say, “Know what is above you: An eye that sees” (Ethics of the Fathers, 2:1). When you are filled with the Spirit of God, the Ruach haKodesh, the helper is always with you, guiding you, leading you, seeing you, the answer is easy. You act differently and work under a higher standard. You run your business and personal life honestly all the time.
6. Build a Reputable office of Integrity and Honesty.
At the end of your days, if the question is posed, “Were you honest in your business dealings?” What would your answer be? This question of ethics is the true measure of one’s success in life. The virtue of honesty is grounded ultimately in the character of God—that is, we are to be truthful because God is truthful. God never lies the Bible informs us (Titus 1:2), and both Yeshua: Jesus and the Holy Spirit: Ruach haKodesh, are referred to as the truth (John 14:6, 16:13; 1 John 5:6). Similarly, God’s word is called the truth (Psalm 119:142, John 17:17). Theologically, honesty is a virtue because, like all the virtues, it is rooted in God’s nature. Truth telling is a moral principle to be followed because God is truthful, and we are called to emulate his character.
There is no greater temptation to cheat than is a business setting where one can earn more profits. If you can overcome this great temptation, you will reach a high level of character that others esteem. They will see the light of God living within you. Your customers, employees and those you do business with want to patronize your business. When you are honest, your business grows. You also have the right answer in the heavenly courts. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2Timothy 4:7 As the Midrash (commentary of the Old Testament) says {paraphrased}, “If one is honest in his business dealings and people esteem him, it is accounted to him as though he had fulfilled the commandments”
7. Be Humble: Humility accepts and encourages criticism.
“He who loves instruction loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid” (Proverbs 12:1). “Love rejoices in the truth” (1 Corinthians 13:6). “What I [Yeshua] tell you in the darkness, speak in the light. Do not fear” (Matthew 10:27–28). “We do not preach ourselves but Christ Yeshua (Jesus) as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Yeshua Jesus’ sake” (2 Corinthians 4:5). Pride gets in the way of success. We all make mistakes. Never think you are right at all times. Accept and encourage criticism, especially from your employees that understand the business sometimes, better than anyone. Some of the best ideas come from customers and employees. We should read every customer and employee suggestion carefully. Often, many managers and CEOs choose not to listen to their employee suggestions. This is a big mistake. By creating an environment that allows suggestions and criticism, you can greatly improve your business and allow employees and customers to feel more part of the business. Pride gets in the way of success.
Reach SUCCESS:
The Bible teaches us to be socially responsible and not forget about those that don’t have food to eat. We have a greater calling, To “Repair the World” we live in. We have a social responsibility to our communities. We are obligated to donate a portion of our profits as a tithe and to those in need. Encourage employees, partners and customers to also be charitable through incentives, by setting up giving program or by other social means. A percentage of profits should go to a worthy charity. Run promotions that contribute a sale portion to charity. Match your employee’s giving and encourage them in this scriptural principle. Leading by example and encouraging employees to do community service. Use your business as a tool for community improvement. “One gives freely, yet gains even more. Another withholds unjustly, and comes to poverty.” (Proverbs 11:24).
View your work as a means, not an end. When we help others, we feel fulfilled and accomplished. When we leverage our business to improve the community around you, we wake up every day and appreciate what we have accomplished for the community. As King Solomon said, “ I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and enjoy themselves in their lifetime. Also when anyone eats and drinks, and finds satisfaction in all of his labor, it is the gift of God. ” (Ecclesiastes 3:12–13). Let’s use our success to be socially responsible and we will live much more meaningful lives.
*Much of the info shared in this post was from a conference I attended in 2013 hosted by Rabbi Daniel Lapin. I referenced his book on many of the ideas shared “Business Secrets from the Bible” See below
