How can Ezekiel 27:18 guide Christians in ethical business dealings today? Setting the Scene Tyre’s trading empire is being pictured in Ezekiel 27. The prophet catalogs its partners to show the city’s vast reach—and to warn that even the strongest commercial success can fall under God’s judgment. Verse 18 highlights one specific relationship: Tyre’s dealings with Damascus. Key Verse “Damascus was also your customer because of your many products and your great wealth in goods, with wine from Helbon and wool from Zahar.” (Ezekiel 27:18) What We Learn about Trade Relationships • Trade attracted partners (“Damascus was also your customer”)—reputation matters. • The attraction rested on quality and abundance (“many products… great wealth in goods”). • Specific, valuable items are named (“wine from Helbon… wool from Zahar”)—clarity and transparency in transactions. • All this sits in a chapter warning Tyre not to idolize profit—commerce takes place under God’s scrutiny. Principles for Ethical Business Today • Build trust through consistent quality. • Maintain transparency about products, pricing, and sourcing (Proverbs 11:1). • Treat partners as people, not mere profit channels (Luke 6:31). • Guard against pride when prosperity grows; success is a stewardship, not an idol (Deuteronomy 8:17-18). • Diversify honestly; do not compromise integrity to gain new “customers.” • Keep records clear and truthful, mirroring the specificity of the verse. • Remember that reputation is part of Christian witness (Proverbs 22:1; Matthew 5:16). Scriptural Reinforcement • Honesty in trade—“A false balance is an abomination to the LORD, but a just weight is His delight.” (Proverbs 11:1) • Accountability—“We are taking pains to do what is right, not only before the Lord but also before men.” (2 Corinthians 8:21) • Whole-hearted work—“Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men.” (Colossians 3:23-24) • Quiet, reputable labor—“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life… so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be dependent on anyone.” (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12) Putting It into Practice • Offer goods or services that meet real needs with genuine excellence. • Communicate terms and conditions in plain language before any deal. • Conduct periodic integrity audits: pricing, sourcing, labor conditions, environmental impact. • Use success to bless—support employees, communities, and Gospel work (Ephesians 4:28). • Pray for humility when sales soar and for faithfulness when markets tighten. |
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