“Beyond free markets, the Bible favorably presents the elements of an entrepreneurial economy where wages and profits are earned and people prosper. For example, the virtuous woman not only “makes linen garments and sells them,” but also “perceives that her merchandise is profitable” (Proverbs 31:24). Workers were expected to profit from their labor and deserved prompt wages (Romans 4:4; James 5:4). Small business owners had a right to earn a profit, and the hard-working farmer “ought to have the first share of the crops” (2 Timothy 2:6).”

The Bible does not endorse American-style Capitalism, nor did the early church practice Communist central planning in the early chapters of Acts. You will not find Adam Smith prophetically foretold in the Scriptures, nor any allusion to Karl Marx. Republican Party economics is not a required part of Christianity.

Yet, the Bible contains clear economic principles and the early church grew in an environment of buying, selling, borrowing, and hiring. In essence, an economy of free markets and entrepreneurship follows from the commands given by God, though sin has marred the business practices that we experience today. Free markets only require recognition of property rights and the freedom to trade with other people. Further, comparative advantage (people are gifted in different ways) and subjective valuation (people prefer different things) mean that both parties can profit from any voluntary transaction. This mutual benefit from trading is at the heart of free markets and over the past two centuries has lifted the vast majority of people in the world out of abject poverty.

Without question the Bible requires people to recognize the property rights of others. “You shall not steal,” was not only commanded to Israel (Exodus 20:15), but was repeated both by Jesus and Paul (Mark 10:19, Romans 13:9). Further, Jesus approved of buying and selling, and he never would have allowed his disciples to sin in making purchases (John 4:8; 6:5; Luke 22:36; see also Jeremiah 32:8, 25). Engaging in such commerce is even considered virtuous, and those who sell grain are blessed as opposed to those who hoard (Proverbs 11:26). God’s word is clear that people have received different giftings and bring different strengths to the church and the marketplace. For example, Bezalel was filled with the Spirit specifically to empower craftsmanship for artistic designs in woodworking and stone carving (Exodus 31:2-6). Paul recognized a similar diversity of gifting among the believers in Rome that essentially serves as the foundation for comparative advantage and subjective valuation (Romans 12:1-13).

Beyond free markets, the Bible favorably presents the elements of an entrepreneurial economy where wages and profits are earned and people prosper. For example, the virtuous woman not only “makes linen garments and sells them,” but also “perceives that her merchandise is profitable” (Proverbs 31:24). Workers were expected to profit from their labor and deserved prompt wages (Romans 4:4; James 5:4). Small business owners had a right to earn a profit, and the hard-working farmer “ought to have the first share of the crops” (2 Timothy 2:6).

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