This is taken from my school's statement of philosophy of Social Studies instruction, and concludes this series.
Our Christian study of economics includes eight main points. First, Scripture teaches about our attitudes toward money and possessions. We should realize that whatever good things we have are gifts from God[1], and thus we are simply stewards over God’s possessions, not independent owners[2]. Material things should not be man’s chief goal in life[3], but are entrusted to us for use as God plans[4] and as He supplies the needs of those who trust Him[5]. Money cannot buy spiritual blessings[6]. One’s attitude toward money is an index of his general spiritual attitude[7], and true prosperity depends on faithful obedience to God and receiving His favor[8].
Second, Scripture teaches about the importance of giving to God and to other people. While the tithe is taught in Scripture as God’s minimum[9], we see that our giving to God should be in proportion to the way He has prospered us[10], that He blesses those who are generous with Him[11], and that this giving should be a private matter based on one’s own decisions[12]. Since God’s way of providing for needs is through the gifts of His people[13], He expects both individuals and churches, and even those who serve in Christian ministries, to be generous with those in need[14]. Care must be taken that such offerings to God are honestly and fairly handled[15].
Third, the Bible teaches about financial matters and men’s relationships. Those who are sent out by God to serve Him can expect Him to supply their material needs[16], although sometimes He directs a believer to support himself in this work[17]. There are times when even that which is valuable must be destroyed because of the danger of its leading into sin[18]. Scripture teaches that men are not to base their respect for people on their wealth[19], but believers may rightfully give special consideration to other believers[20]. On both a national and a personal level, lending and borrowing money are connected with freedom or slavery[21].
Fourth, Scripture gives instruction concerning property ownership. Based on the eighth commandment, we see that property rights are to be protected[22], that an owner has a right to buy, sell, or otherwise dispose of his own property[23], and that the right to privacy in one’s home (freedom from unlawful search) is a God-given right[24]. Though voluntary communal ownership has Scriptural precedent, it must be done honestly and out of love for one another, and is not to be required[25]. Property ownership is to pass from one generation to another[26], and women as well as men have property rights[27]. Those who invest money have a right to a return on their investments, providing that return is not gained by taking advantage of the poor[28].
Fifth, there are various warnings in Scripture about problems related to money and property. We see that the love of material things leads to problems[29], and that wealth and prosperity themselves can sometimes lead to problems[30]. God gives various warnings about actions which may result in poverty[31], such as the fact that one who is security for another’s debts is courting trouble[32].
Sixth, work and our attitude toward it would fall under our study of economics. Work is part of God’s creational plan for man[33], and honest, diligent work results both in personal satisfaction[34] and in the approval of God[35]. On the other hand, one who looks for excuses not to work will accomplish little[36]. Men are to plan ahead, but must consider God’s ultimate will in their planning[37].
Seventh, Scripture sets forth various business principles. Business is to be conducted honestly[38], and with proper safeguards[39]. Employers are to be fair to their workers[40], and employees are to serve their employers faithfully and as unto the Lord[41]. All business deals should be based on the guidelines of God’s law, and on the needs of both parties[42]. Observance of the Christian Sabbath is God’s plan, in remembrance of God’s rest at the end of the creation week, in remembrance of the redemption accomplished by Christ, and in response to the needs of men, and so businesses should seek to observe the Sabbath day, except in cases of necessity or mercy[43].
Eighth, a study of economics will deal with issues concerning macro-economics, and the role of the civil government in economics. The civil government is to enforce honest weights and measures; this not only deals with specific areas of measurement and commerce, but more broadly applies to the concept of money as a medium of exchange, which must be upheld as honest and trustworthy. Instead of seeing the civil government as responsible for the management of the money supply to achieve certain goals (as in Keynesian economic theory), the civil government would enforce an honest monetary standard, and would ensure that the money supply represents true wealth (as opposed to “fiat money”)[44].
[1] Deut. 8:17,18; 1 Chron. 29:11-16; Eccl. 5:18-20; 1 Tim. 4:3-5; 6:17; James 1:17
[2] Lev. 19:23-25; 25; 1 Chron. 29:14-16; Ezek. 7:20,21; Hag. 2:8; Matt. 22:21; 25:14-29; Acts 2:44,45; 1 Cor. 6:19,20
[3] 1 Chron. 1:11,12; Job 31:24-28; Prov. 10:2; 11:4; 13:7; 15:16; 22:1,2; 23:4,5; Zeph. 1:18; Matt. 4:8-10; 6:19-34; 16:26; Luke 12:15-21; 1 Tim. 3:3,8; 6:6-8; Heb. 10:34; 13:5
[4] Deut. 15:10,11; Matt. 6:19,33; Mark 7:9-13; Eph. 4:28; Phil. 4:10-19; 1 Tim. 5:4,8,16
[5] 2 Chron. 31:5,10; Ezr. 8:21-23; Ps. 128; Matt. 6:25-34; Luke 12:22-34; Heb. 13:5,6
[6] Isa. 55:1-3; Ezek. 7:19; Matt. 19:21-24; Acts 8:18-22; 1 Pet. 1:18-19
[7] Hag. 1:2-4; matt. 6:19-21; 18:23-35; Luke 12:33,34; 16:10-11; 2 Cor. 8:3-5
[8] Gen. 39:2-5; Deut. 28:1-13; Josh. 1:8; Ps. 1:1-3; 73; Phil. 4:19
[9] Gen. 14:20; 28:22; Lev. 27:30-34; Num. 18:24-29; 2 Chron. 31:5-14; Matt. 23:23; Heb. 7:4-10
[10] Deut. 16:17; Ezra 2:68,69; Mal. 3:8; Mark 12:41-44; 1 Cor. 16:2; 2 Cor. 8:12
[11] Prov. 3:9,10; 11:24,25; Mal. 3:8-10; Matt. 6:31-34; 26:7-13; Mark 10:29,30; 12:41-44; Luke 6:38; 2 Cor. 9:6-12; Phil. 4:14-19
[12] Ex. 25:1,2; 35:21-29; Ezra 2:68,69; Matt. 6:1-4; Acts 5:1-5; 2 Cor. 8:1-5; 9:7
[13] Ex. 25:1-9; Num. 7:1-8; Deut. 18:1-5; Ezra 1:4-6; 2:68,69; 2 Cor. 8:13-14; James 2:15
[14] Num. 18:26-32; Deut. 15:7-11; Ps. 41:1; Prov. 19:17; Matt. 5:42; 25:40; Acts 20:35; 2 Cor. 8:1-5; Eph. 4:28; 1 Tim. 6:17-19; 1 Jn. 3:17
[15] Ex. 22:29,30; Deut. 23:18; 2 Cor. 8:18-22
[16] Lev. 2:3,10; Num. 18:21,24,31; Matt. 10:7-12; Luke 10:1-11; 1 Cor. 9:6-16
[17] Acts 20:33,34; 1 Cor. 9:14,15; 1 Thess. 2:9
[18] Deut. 7:25; 20:16-18; Matt. 18:8,9
[19] James 2:1-9
[20] Deut. 15:1-3; 23:19,20; Gal. 6:10
[21] Deut. 15:6; 28:12,13; Prov. 22:7
[22] Ex. 20:15,17; 21:33-36; 22:1-15; Lev. 24:18,21; Deut. 22:1-3; 23:24,25; Josh. 13-19; 1 Kings 21:17-19; Prov. 22:28; Ezek. 46:18; 47:22,23
[23] Prov. 31:16,24; Matt. 20:1-16; Acts 5:3,4
[24] Deut. 24:10,11
[25] Acts 2:44,45; 5:1-11
[26] Num. 27:8-11; 36; Deut. 21:15-17; Ezek. 46:16-18
[27] Num. 27:1-9; Job 42:15; Prov. 31:16,18,24; Acts 5:7-10
[28] Ex. 22:25; Deut. 24:6; Prov. 28:8; Matt. 25:15-30; Luke 19:11-25
[29] Prov. 15:27; 22:16; 28:20-22; Eccl. 5:10-16; Isa. 56:9-12; Matt. 13:22; 19:21-24; Mark 10:21-25; Luke 12:13-34; 1 Tim. 6:9,10; James 4:1-3
[30] Deut. 8:11-18; Prov. 19:6; Eccl. 5:10-16; 1 Tim. 6:17-19
[31] Prov. 11:24; 13:18; 14:23; 20:13; 22:16; 23:20,21; 28:19,22; Isa. 65:12,13; Jer. 17:11
[32] Prov. 6:1-5; 11:15; 17:18; 22:26,27
[33] Gen. 1:26,28; 2:15; 3:19; Ex. 20:9; Prov. 14:23; 28:19; 31:10-27; Acts 20:34,35; Eph. 4:28; 1 Thess. 4:11,12; 2 Thess. 3:10-13
[34] Ps. 128:2; Prov. 12:11; 31:21,28-31; Eccl. 5:12; Eph. 4:28; 1 Thess. 4:11,12
[35] Prov. 10:4,5; 13:4; 20:13; 31:27; Eccl. 9:10; Ezek. 34:2-6; Rom. 12:11
[36] Prov. 26:13-16; 27:1; Eccl. 11:4
[37] Prov. 6:6-11; 30:25-28; 31:16,21,27; Matt. 25:1-13; Luke 14:28-32; James 4:13-15
[38] Lev. 19:35-37; Prov. 11:1; Ezek. 18:5-9; Amos 8:4-7; Acts 5:1-11; Rom. 12:17; 13:13; 2 Cor. 13:7
[39] Gen. 23:10-20; Ezra 1:7-11; 8:24-30,33,34; Acts 15:19-31; 1 Cor. 16:1-4
[40] Ex. 21:20-27; Lev. 19:13; 25:43; Matt. 20:1-16; Luke 10:7; Eph. 6:5-9
[41] Matt. 25:45-51; Eph. 6:5-8; 1 Tim. 6:1; Titus 2:9,10
[42] Ex. 22:25,26,27; Lev. 25:14-17; Deut. 24:6,10,17; Matt. 18:23-34
[43] Gen. 2:3; Ex. 20:9-11; 23:12; 31:13,17; 34:21; Mark 2:27; 3:4; Luke 14:1-6
[44] Lev. 19:35-36; Deut. 25:13-16; Prov. 11:1; 16:11-12; 20:10,23; Isa. 1:21-23; Ezek. 45:9-12
Our Christian study of economics includes eight main points. First, Scripture teaches about our attitudes toward money and possessions. We should realize that whatever good things we have are gifts from God[1], and thus we are simply stewards over God’s possessions, not independent owners[2]. Material things should not be man’s chief goal in life[3], but are entrusted to us for use as God plans[4] and as He supplies the needs of those who trust Him[5]. Money cannot buy spiritual blessings[6]. One’s attitude toward money is an index of his general spiritual attitude[7], and true prosperity depends on faithful obedience to God and receiving His favor[8].
Second, Scripture teaches about the importance of giving to God and to other people. While the tithe is taught in Scripture as God’s minimum[9], we see that our giving to God should be in proportion to the way He has prospered us[10], that He blesses those who are generous with Him[11], and that this giving should be a private matter based on one’s own decisions[12]. Since God’s way of providing for needs is through the gifts of His people[13], He expects both individuals and churches, and even those who serve in Christian ministries, to be generous with those in need[14]. Care must be taken that such offerings to God are honestly and fairly handled[15].
Third, the Bible teaches about financial matters and men’s relationships. Those who are sent out by God to serve Him can expect Him to supply their material needs[16], although sometimes He directs a believer to support himself in this work[17]. There are times when even that which is valuable must be destroyed because of the danger of its leading into sin[18]. Scripture teaches that men are not to base their respect for people on their wealth[19], but believers may rightfully give special consideration to other believers[20]. On both a national and a personal level, lending and borrowing money are connected with freedom or slavery[21].
Fourth, Scripture gives instruction concerning property ownership. Based on the eighth commandment, we see that property rights are to be protected[22], that an owner has a right to buy, sell, or otherwise dispose of his own property[23], and that the right to privacy in one’s home (freedom from unlawful search) is a God-given right[24]. Though voluntary communal ownership has Scriptural precedent, it must be done honestly and out of love for one another, and is not to be required[25]. Property ownership is to pass from one generation to another[26], and women as well as men have property rights[27]. Those who invest money have a right to a return on their investments, providing that return is not gained by taking advantage of the poor[28].
Fifth, there are various warnings in Scripture about problems related to money and property. We see that the love of material things leads to problems[29], and that wealth and prosperity themselves can sometimes lead to problems[30]. God gives various warnings about actions which may result in poverty[31], such as the fact that one who is security for another’s debts is courting trouble[32].
Sixth, work and our attitude toward it would fall under our study of economics. Work is part of God’s creational plan for man[33], and honest, diligent work results both in personal satisfaction[34] and in the approval of God[35]. On the other hand, one who looks for excuses not to work will accomplish little[36]. Men are to plan ahead, but must consider God’s ultimate will in their planning[37].
Seventh, Scripture sets forth various business principles. Business is to be conducted honestly[38], and with proper safeguards[39]. Employers are to be fair to their workers[40], and employees are to serve their employers faithfully and as unto the Lord[41]. All business deals should be based on the guidelines of God’s law, and on the needs of both parties[42]. Observance of the Christian Sabbath is God’s plan, in remembrance of God’s rest at the end of the creation week, in remembrance of the redemption accomplished by Christ, and in response to the needs of men, and so businesses should seek to observe the Sabbath day, except in cases of necessity or mercy[43].
Eighth, a study of economics will deal with issues concerning macro-economics, and the role of the civil government in economics. The civil government is to enforce honest weights and measures; this not only deals with specific areas of measurement and commerce, but more broadly applies to the concept of money as a medium of exchange, which must be upheld as honest and trustworthy. Instead of seeing the civil government as responsible for the management of the money supply to achieve certain goals (as in Keynesian economic theory), the civil government would enforce an honest monetary standard, and would ensure that the money supply represents true wealth (as opposed to “fiat money”)[44].
[1] Deut. 8:17,18; 1 Chron. 29:11-16; Eccl. 5:18-20; 1 Tim. 4:3-5; 6:17; James 1:17
[2] Lev. 19:23-25; 25; 1 Chron. 29:14-16; Ezek. 7:20,21; Hag. 2:8; Matt. 22:21; 25:14-29; Acts 2:44,45; 1 Cor. 6:19,20
[3] 1 Chron. 1:11,12; Job 31:24-28; Prov. 10:2; 11:4; 13:7; 15:16; 22:1,2; 23:4,5; Zeph. 1:18; Matt. 4:8-10; 6:19-34; 16:26; Luke 12:15-21; 1 Tim. 3:3,8; 6:6-8; Heb. 10:34; 13:5
[4] Deut. 15:10,11; Matt. 6:19,33; Mark 7:9-13; Eph. 4:28; Phil. 4:10-19; 1 Tim. 5:4,8,16
[5] 2 Chron. 31:5,10; Ezr. 8:21-23; Ps. 128; Matt. 6:25-34; Luke 12:22-34; Heb. 13:5,6
[6] Isa. 55:1-3; Ezek. 7:19; Matt. 19:21-24; Acts 8:18-22; 1 Pet. 1:18-19
[7] Hag. 1:2-4; matt. 6:19-21; 18:23-35; Luke 12:33,34; 16:10-11; 2 Cor. 8:3-5
[8] Gen. 39:2-5; Deut. 28:1-13; Josh. 1:8; Ps. 1:1-3; 73; Phil. 4:19
[9] Gen. 14:20; 28:22; Lev. 27:30-34; Num. 18:24-29; 2 Chron. 31:5-14; Matt. 23:23; Heb. 7:4-10
[10] Deut. 16:17; Ezra 2:68,69; Mal. 3:8; Mark 12:41-44; 1 Cor. 16:2; 2 Cor. 8:12
[11] Prov. 3:9,10; 11:24,25; Mal. 3:8-10; Matt. 6:31-34; 26:7-13; Mark 10:29,30; 12:41-44; Luke 6:38; 2 Cor. 9:6-12; Phil. 4:14-19
[12] Ex. 25:1,2; 35:21-29; Ezra 2:68,69; Matt. 6:1-4; Acts 5:1-5; 2 Cor. 8:1-5; 9:7
[13] Ex. 25:1-9; Num. 7:1-8; Deut. 18:1-5; Ezra 1:4-6; 2:68,69; 2 Cor. 8:13-14; James 2:15
[14] Num. 18:26-32; Deut. 15:7-11; Ps. 41:1; Prov. 19:17; Matt. 5:42; 25:40; Acts 20:35; 2 Cor. 8:1-5; Eph. 4:28; 1 Tim. 6:17-19; 1 Jn. 3:17
[15] Ex. 22:29,30; Deut. 23:18; 2 Cor. 8:18-22
[16] Lev. 2:3,10; Num. 18:21,24,31; Matt. 10:7-12; Luke 10:1-11; 1 Cor. 9:6-16
[17] Acts 20:33,34; 1 Cor. 9:14,15; 1 Thess. 2:9
[18] Deut. 7:25; 20:16-18; Matt. 18:8,9
[19] James 2:1-9
[20] Deut. 15:1-3; 23:19,20; Gal. 6:10
[21] Deut. 15:6; 28:12,13; Prov. 22:7
[22] Ex. 20:15,17; 21:33-36; 22:1-15; Lev. 24:18,21; Deut. 22:1-3; 23:24,25; Josh. 13-19; 1 Kings 21:17-19; Prov. 22:28; Ezek. 46:18; 47:22,23
[23] Prov. 31:16,24; Matt. 20:1-16; Acts 5:3,4
[24] Deut. 24:10,11
[25] Acts 2:44,45; 5:1-11
[26] Num. 27:8-11; 36; Deut. 21:15-17; Ezek. 46:16-18
[27] Num. 27:1-9; Job 42:15; Prov. 31:16,18,24; Acts 5:7-10
[28] Ex. 22:25; Deut. 24:6; Prov. 28:8; Matt. 25:15-30; Luke 19:11-25
[29] Prov. 15:27; 22:16; 28:20-22; Eccl. 5:10-16; Isa. 56:9-12; Matt. 13:22; 19:21-24; Mark 10:21-25; Luke 12:13-34; 1 Tim. 6:9,10; James 4:1-3
[30] Deut. 8:11-18; Prov. 19:6; Eccl. 5:10-16; 1 Tim. 6:17-19
[31] Prov. 11:24; 13:18; 14:23; 20:13; 22:16; 23:20,21; 28:19,22; Isa. 65:12,13; Jer. 17:11
[32] Prov. 6:1-5; 11:15; 17:18; 22:26,27
[33] Gen. 1:26,28; 2:15; 3:19; Ex. 20:9; Prov. 14:23; 28:19; 31:10-27; Acts 20:34,35; Eph. 4:28; 1 Thess. 4:11,12; 2 Thess. 3:10-13
[34] Ps. 128:2; Prov. 12:11; 31:21,28-31; Eccl. 5:12; Eph. 4:28; 1 Thess. 4:11,12
[35] Prov. 10:4,5; 13:4; 20:13; 31:27; Eccl. 9:10; Ezek. 34:2-6; Rom. 12:11
[36] Prov. 26:13-16; 27:1; Eccl. 11:4
[37] Prov. 6:6-11; 30:25-28; 31:16,21,27; Matt. 25:1-13; Luke 14:28-32; James 4:13-15
[38] Lev. 19:35-37; Prov. 11:1; Ezek. 18:5-9; Amos 8:4-7; Acts 5:1-11; Rom. 12:17; 13:13; 2 Cor. 13:7
[39] Gen. 23:10-20; Ezra 1:7-11; 8:24-30,33,34; Acts 15:19-31; 1 Cor. 16:1-4
[40] Ex. 21:20-27; Lev. 19:13; 25:43; Matt. 20:1-16; Luke 10:7; Eph. 6:5-9
[41] Matt. 25:45-51; Eph. 6:5-8; 1 Tim. 6:1; Titus 2:9,10
[42] Ex. 22:25,26,27; Lev. 25:14-17; Deut. 24:6,10,17; Matt. 18:23-34
[43] Gen. 2:3; Ex. 20:9-11; 23:12; 31:13,17; 34:21; Mark 2:27; 3:4; Luke 14:1-6
[44] Lev. 19:35-36; Deut. 25:13-16; Prov. 11:1; 16:11-12; 20:10,23; Isa. 1:21-23; Ezek. 45:9-12