Employers have a responsibility to treat workers fairly and with kindness. The Bible emphasizes justice and compassion in leadership. Today, we’ll explore what Scripture says about being a godly employer.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Employees
What Does The Bible Say About Employers
Colossians 4:1
“Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of employers treating their employees with fairness and justice. As masters or employers, we have a responsibility to provide our employees with what is right and fair, recognizing that we too are accountable to our Master in heaven.
It reminds us that we are not to abuse our authority or exploit those under our supervision, but rather to lead with integrity and compassion, recognizing the inherent value and dignity of every employee.
Ephesians 6:9
“And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.”
This verse exhorts employers to treat their employees, regardless of their position, with respect and fairness. Just as masters should provide what is right and fair to their slaves, employers should not use their power to intimidate or threaten their employees.
By treating employees with dignity and equality, employers mirror the character of our ultimate Master in heaven, who shows no favoritism and values all individuals equally.
1 Timothy 5:18
“For Scripture says, ‘Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,’ and ‘The worker deserves his wages.'”
This verse highlights the importance of employers compensating their employees for their work. It reminds employers that workers deserve fair wages for their labor and that it is not right to withhold or deprive them of what they have earned.
As employers, we should recognize the value of the labor and effort put forth by our employees and ensure they receive just compensation for their contributions.
Proverbs 27:18
“Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who guards his master will be honored.”
This verse emphasizes the benefits that come from faithfully serving and supporting one’s employer. Just as tending to a fig tree results in the enjoyment of its fruits, diligently carrying out one’s responsibilities as an employee leads to honor and recognition.
It encourages employees to be diligent in their work and to be faithful stewards of their employer’s resources, knowing that their efforts will be rewarded and acknowledged.
Proverbs 22:29
“Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank.”
This verse highlights the importance of excellence and skill in one’s work. Those who demonstrate proficiency and mastery in their occupation will have the opportunity to serve in influential and significant roles.
It encourages employees to strive for excellence and to continually develop their skills, understanding that their dedication and expertise will open doors of opportunity and enable them to serve in positions of greater influence and responsibility.
Colossians 3:23-24
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of having a diligent and wholehearted work ethic. It encourages employees to approach their work as an opportunity to serve the Lord rather than merely serving human masters.
By recognizing that we are ultimately working for the Lord, we are motivated to give our best effort in all that we do, knowing that our faithful service will be rewarded both in this life and in eternity.
Proverbs 6:6-8
“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.”
This verse uses the example of an ant to teach the value of diligence and foresight in the workplace. Ants work diligently without the need for constant supervision, preparing for the future by storing provisions.
It encourages employees to adopt the qualities of diligence, self-motivation, and forward-thinking in their work, understanding that these attributes lead to productivity and success.
James 5:4
“Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.”
This verse serves as a warning to employers who withhold or deny fair wages to their workers. It reminds us that God is aware of any mistreatment or injustice faced by employees, and He will hold employers accountable for their actions.
It calls employers to ensure prompt payment and fair treatment of their employees, recognizing that God hears the cries of those who are wronged.
Leviticus 19:13
“Do not defraud or rob your neighbor. Do not hold back the wages of a hired worker overnight.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of integrity and honesty in the employer-employee relationship. It instructs employers not to defraud or exploit their workers by withholding their wages.
It reminds employers to act justly and promptly in paying their employees, exhibiting respect and valuing their labor and contribution.
2 Thessalonians 3:10
“For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: ‘The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.'”
This verse highlights the principle that work is a responsibility and a means of provision. It emphasizes the importance of diligent effort and productivity, warning against a sense of entitlement or laziness.
It encourages employers to uphold the value of work and to foster an environment that promotes personal responsibility, productivity, and self-sufficiency among employees.
Deuteronomy 24:14-15
“Do not take advantage of a hired worker who is poor and needy, whether that worker is a fellow Israelite or a foreigner residing in one of your towns. Pay them their wages each day before sunset, because they are poor and are counting on it. Otherwise, they may cry to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin.”
This passage emphasizes the importance of fair treatment and timely payment of wages to employees, particularly those who are vulnerable or in a precarious financial situation. It exhorts employers not to take advantage of the poor or disadvantaged but to ensure that they receive their wages promptly.
It reminds employers of the moral responsibility to support and uplift others, especially those in need, and warns of the consequences of failing to meet this obligation.
Malachi 3:5
“So I will come to put you on trial. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers, against those who defraud laborers of their wages, who oppress the widows and the fatherless, and deprive the foreigners among you of justice, but do not fear me,” says the LORD Almighty.”
This verse reveals God’s condemnation toward those who defraud laborers of their wages and oppress vulnerable individuals. It serves as a reminder that God is just and holds employers accountable for their mistreatment of employees.
It highlights the obligation of employers to treat all individuals, including employees, with justice and fairness, avoiding any form of exploitation or discrimination.
Luke 10:7
“Stay there, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house.”
This verse emphasizes the principle that workers deserve to be compensated for their labor. It instructs employees to accept the provisions and generosity of their employers, acknowledging their right to receive wages for their work.
It also calls employees to faithfulness and contentment, discouraging a constant desire for change or seeking greater rewards at the expense of stability and commitment.
Proverbs 14:23
“All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”
This verse highlights the importance of industriousness and diligence in the workplace. It emphasizes that productive work leads to profit and success, while idle talk or laziness leads to poverty.
It encourages employees to prioritize their efforts and invest their energy into meaningful work, understanding that their hard work will bring about positive outcomes and rewards.
Proverbs 16:11
“Honest scales and balances belong to the LORD; all the weights in the bag are of his making.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of integrity and honesty, even in matters of business and employment. It reminds employers to conduct their affairs with fairness and transparency, recognizing that ultimately, all standards of justice and righteousness belong to the Lord.
It encourages employers to operate with integrity, ensuring that their business practices, including the treatment of employees, align with God’s standard of justice and righteousness.
Psalm 128:2
“You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.”
This verse highlights the principle that there are blessings and rewards that come from diligent work. It encourages employees to find fulfillment and satisfaction in the fruit of their labor, knowing that blessings and prosperity follow earnest effort.
It serves as a motivation for employees to approach their work with dedication and enthusiasm, trusting that their labor will yield positive outcomes and favor in various aspects of life.
Proverbs 28:19
“Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of focusing on meaningful and productive work. It highlights that those who diligently attend to their responsibilities will be rewarded with provisions and abundance, while those who engage in fruitless endeavors will experience poverty.
It encourages employees to prioritize and invest their time and energy into work that yields value and contributes to their overall well-being.
Proverbs 10:4
“Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.”
This verse contrasts the consequences of laziness and diligence in the workplace. It emphasizes that a lack of effort and productivity leads to poverty, while diligence and hard work result in wealth.
It serves as a reminder to employees to avoid laziness or a negligent attitude in their work and to cultivate a diligent and hardworking disposition, knowing that it leads to success and prosperity.
Proverbs 18:9
“One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.”
This verse highlights the destructive nature of laziness and negligence in one’s work. It depicts those who are slack or careless in their responsibilities as akin to those who actively engage in acts of destruction.
It encourages employees to recognize the significance of their work and to approach it with a commitment to excellence and diligence, understanding that negligence harms both themselves and those around them.
Proverbs 12:11
“Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.”
This verse draws a parallel between diligent work and provision. It suggests that those who invest their efforts into productive work, akin to working the land, will experience abundance and sustenance.
It serves as a reminder to employees to prioritize meaningful work and avoid being consumed by frivolous pursuits that bear no fruit or provide lasting value.
Ecclesiastes 9:10
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of wholehearted commitment and effort in one’s work. It encourages employees to approach their tasks with diligence and enthusiasm, recognizing the temporary nature of life and the opportunity to make an impact through their work.
It inspires employees to give their best in all they do, knowing that the time for work and its rewards are limited in this earthly existence.
1 Corinthians 3:8
“The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor.”
This verse highlights that individuals contribute to a collective purpose through their work. It acknowledges that different roles and tasks are necessary and valuable, and each person will be rewarded according to their labor.
It encourages employees to recognize the significance of their individual contributions and to approach their work with commitment and dedication, knowing that their efforts are essential parts of a larger purpose.
Proverbs 13:11
“Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.”
This verse contrasts the consequences of dishonest gain and gradual accumulation. It highlights that ill-gotten wealth ultimately diminishes, while money acquired through honest and diligent means grows.
It calls employees to uphold principles of integrity and to prioritize long-term prosperity over short-term gains, understanding that honesty and perseverance yield greater rewards.
Proverbs 22:29
“Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank.”
This verse highlights the value and recognition that come with mastery and skill in one’s work. It suggests that those who demonstrate excellence and proficiency will rise to positions of influence and prominence.
It encourages employees to develop their skills and strive for excellence, knowing that their talent and expertise will open doors of opportunity and enable them to serve in significant and influential capacities.