A Mistake in Business
James Smith
"As with the buyer — so with the seller!" Isaiah 24:2
Some have embraced the opinion, that business cannot be carried on in accordance with the rigid morality of the New Testament. But this is a mistake — for it can only be carried on safely and consistently, according to those principles! Unless a man has . . . the love of God in his heart, the precepts of God in his memory, and the fear of God before his eyes; unless he loves his neighbor as himself, and keeps eternity in view — he cannot be an honest tradesman.
Nothing is really lost by honesty — nor is anything worth keeping gained by deception. If we bring God into our business, if we walk with Him in the office, the warehouse and the shop; if we endeavor to maintain a tender conscience, and commend ourselves to Him in well-doing — then things must go on well with us. We may be tried, deeply tried; but God is our friend, He approves our conduct, and will manifest His approbation in His own time and way. He will bless us with His favor , which is life, and His loving-kindness, which is better than life.
But it is too often the case, that the precepts of the Bible are required to give way to the maxims of men ; and the requirements of God — to the practices of the trade .
"We must do as our competitors do," is sometimes the language of professing Christians; but unless your competitors do as God directs in His Word — you must not! You dare not! If they attempt to deceive — you must not. If they practice the tricks of the trade — you must be honest.
You are not to be guided by the conduct of your competitors. God has given you a rule, and He expects you to walk by it. God will not allow His children to sin with impunity; you are not of this world, nor ought you to act like the world.
"As with the buyer — so with the seller." This is too often the case in reference to business — each party tries to deceive the other. The seller cries up his article, boasts of its excellence, and assures the buyer that he is selling it at a great sacrifice; when at the same time, if conscience were to speak, it would flatly contradict the whole! It is a fearful thing to lie under any pretense — and every attempt to deceive, is a lie!
How few consider what God has spoken upon this subject — hear from His own mouth, His fixed and determined purposes, "He who speaks lies shall not escape." (Proverbs 19:5.) God will keep His eye upon him, justice will pursue Him, and punishment will overtake Him! "He who speaks lies shall perish." (Proverbs 19:9.) A liar cannot prosper; for though he appears to do so for a time, there is rottenness at the root; the displeasure of God will follow, and, without painful repentance — the end will be dreadful.
He who lies in order to thrive in business, trusts in vanity; and vanity will be his recompense. (Isaiah 59:4.) "A fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare!" (Proverbs 21:6.) Hear the liar's doom: "The mouth of those that speak lies, shall be stopped." (Psalm 63:11;) they shall be speechless before the Judge. "And all liars shall have their portion in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone!" (Rev. 21:8.)
Be not deceived: no perpetual liar can be a Christian, for it is written of all the Lord's people, "Surely, they are my people, children that will not lie; so He was their Savior." (Isaiah 63:8.) The true Christian can say with David, "I hate and abhor lying; but I love your law;" (Psalm 119:163;) and will pray with him, "Keep me from the way of deceit and graciously give me Your instruction. (Psalm 119:29.) "Therefore, putting away lying — speak every one truth with his neighbor." (Ephesians 4:25.)
Reader, do not attempt to evade the subject; do not say that trickery in trade is not lying. It is, and will be punished as such! A lie can never be necessary , it can never be justified ; do not therefore sell yourself to work this wickedness.
If the seller imitates the buyer in sin — then he will be united with the buyer in punishment! "Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord; but those who speak truth are His delight." (Proverbs 12:22.) "Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment!" (Proverbs 12:19.)
Be the first to react on this!
James Smith and was a predecessor of Charles Spurgeon at New Park Street Chapel in London from 1841-1850. He also ministered with great blessing in Cheltenham. His devotional, The Believer's Daily Remembrancer, subtitled Pastor's Morning and Evening Visit, was very popular in its own day, and has received a new lease of life through recent republication.