Biblical Relationship between Employers and Employees
A biblical relationship between employees and employers should be grounded upon a mutual respect.
The Bible teaches employers to be honest and fair with employees. Honesty and fairness should be applied to the hours an employee is expected to work, to the wages paid to the employee, and in providing a safe working environment.
Ephesians 6:9 instructs employers not to threaten employees or treat employees harshly, reminding them that God in heaven is master of both the employee and the employer, “and there is no favoritism with him.”
The employee is expected to be honest and reliable in putting forth an effort to meet (or even exceed) the employer’s expectations. Ephesians 6:7 challenges employees to “serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people.”
While Paul wrote Ephesians 6:5-9 addressing “masters” and “slaves” (NIV, ESV, CSB) or “servants” (KJV), TheologyofWork.org compares this biblical reality to “ workplace relationships where someone has authority over another person.” Also, in David Guzik’s commentary on EnduringWord.com, he addresses this passage by commenting on “how employees walk in the light [by] working as servants of Jesus,” and “how employers walk in the light [by] treating their workers well.”
Other Bible Verses about Employer-Employee Relationships:
Psalm 127:2says, “It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.” Accordingly, employees should not be overworked or expected to live at the workplace.
In Proverbs 22:29, we are taught that a skillful man in his work “will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.” Skilled employees who are invaluable to the company and its success should be likewise rewarded.
In Exodus 31:3-5, it was explained that the employees were entrusted with different duties as well as skills “to work in every craft.” The employer must be cognizant as to the appropriate position to place a skilled employee. This discernment gives the employee the greatest opportunity to thrive and succeed.
Biblical Relationship with Business Competitors and Community
Businesses and Competitors
A Bible-based business should treat its competitors with the utmost respect and courtesy. Proverbs 28:6, teaches the businessperson it is “better [to be] a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.”
This relationship is similar to that of an individual’s neighbor as we are commanded to treat them in a spirit of love (Galatians 5:14).
The Christian business owner should not consider those who offer the same goods or services as a rival. Paul taught the church of Philippi to “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others” (Philippians 2:3-4).
Businesses and Communities
The successful Christian business owner considers the business’s impact on the customer as well as the community, asking themselves, “Does my business contributes positively to the overall community?”
The ethical business owner should be a good steward of its resources and income. They should have a desire and a sense of duty to be a pillar in the community, giving back to the people who faithfully supports the business.
Paul taught in Acts 20:35 that, “in all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” From this passage, we see each Christian has a duty to help those in need within the community.
Biblical Relationship with Customers
“Get rich quick” schemes that are ultimately to the detriment of the customer or consumer is not a biblical business plan. Rather, the customer is to be provided with a quality good or service.
The Book of Proverbs contains many golden nuggets for a successful business plan. In Proverbs 15:16, we learn that “better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice.” Similarly, “wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it” (Proverbs 13:11).
Customers should be treated equally no matter their position in life. Ephesians 6:7-8, teaches we should “render service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.”
This principle can also be related to the relationship between the employer and the employee. A successful business should not be influenced by a person’s appearance, status, or wealth. We are taught in both Romans 2:11-16 and Acts 10:34 that God is no respecter of persons.
The employer should prayerfully consider his business practices and pursuits on a regular basis.
Other Bible Verses about Business
Proverbs 28:19 teaches that “whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.” Many businesses fail because they attempt to grow too quick in an effort to maximize returns. But a successful business requires a certain degree of preparedness before any gain is realized.
Proverbs 20:4 teaches, “the sluggard does not plow in the autumn; he will seek at harvest and have nothing.” Timing is an important consideration in business, just as it is vital in the planting and harvesting of crops.
The Bible provides instructions and a godly framework for all aspects of life, including ethical business practices and relationships.
Chad is a believer in Christ, attorney at law, wannabe golfer, runner, dog lover, and writer. He enjoys serving his church as a deacon and Sunday School teacher. You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, and at his golf devotion par3sixteen.com. He and his wife Brandi reside in Tennessee with their canine son Alistair.
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