Upholding morals and ethics

Author

Institution

Introduction

The issue of ethics in the business world has been controversial since time immemorial. It is noteworthy that every businessman or businesswoman aims at maximizing profits, sometimes irrespective of the cost involved. Unfortunately, this poses the problem of sacrificing ethics in the business world or even following a path that is contrary to the biblical teachings. However, irrespective of the variations in the conditions of different countries or locations as far as rules and expectations in the business world is concerned, it is imperative that an individual does not change the values and ethics guiding him in business. The Bible is remarkably clear as far as being dishonest in business is concerned. It cautions people against using dishonest standards in measuring quantity, length or weight. This is irrespective of the geographical location that an individual is conducting business. In essence, as much as the circumstances may change an individual must remain true to the guiding morals and ethics.

However, it is noteworthy that there are situations that crop up that may give an individual an incentive to bend the rules a bit. Take, for example, a situation where a business stands to gain immensely in terms of profit simply by engaging in corruption, especially in a country where the laws have loopholes that can be exploited. In such situations, the bible is clear as to how an individual should evade such situations. In Mark 18:9 it states that if an individual’s eyes causes him to sin, it is only imperative that he gouges it out and do away with it. It is more preferable for an individual to have life with a single eye than have both eyes and lose his life. In addition, if an individual’s hand makes him to sin, it is imperative that he cuts it off since it is more preferable to have or enter life with a single hand than perish with both hands. (International Standard Version). This implies that rather than profit from dishonest circumstances, it is preferable that one does not engage in the act at all.

This may be a hard choice to take especially when everyone else is benefiting from it or engaging in dishonest acts and prospering. However, this is not an excuse to engage in dishonest practices. In Exodus 23:2, the Bible cautions individuals against following the crowd in doing inappropriate activities. It continues to state that, when individuals are giving testimonies in lawsuits, they should not distort justice by taking the side of the crowd (International Standard Version). This especially pertains to acceptance of bribes, where it cautions against bribery stating that bribes twists righteous people’s words and blinds individuals who see. In fact, it states that it is unjust, as well as degrading to justice for an individual to deny another one justice unless he is paid for it. Such acts lead to another sin, which is unjust judgment, condemnation of the innocent, absolving the guilty, legalization of wrong and justification of the oppressor.

Obviously, this seems to limit people as to the ways in which they could make money. Quite a large number of people are striving to amass as much money as they can within the shortest time possible. After all, this is the whole essence of businesses; to make as much money within the shortest time possible and with the least amount of resources. As much as this may be the case, 1 Timothy 6:10 cautions individuals that evil emanates from the love of money. It states that while many people have coveted after money, they have not only erred from the right way but also pierce themselves through with many sorrows (King James Version).

References

The Holy Bible (International Standards Version). (1984). International Bible Society

The Bible (King James Version). (2008). International Bible Society