In what ways can we avoid extortion in modern business practices? Setting the Scene: Luke 3:14 “Then some soldiers asked him, ‘And what about us? What must we do?’ He said to them, ‘Do not take money by force or false accusation. Be content with your wages.’” What Extortion Looks Like in Today’s Marketplace • Pressuring a client into unfair pricing or hidden fees • Using inside information to force suppliers into unfavorable terms • Withholding wages, commissions, or reimbursements • Inflating invoices or manipulating contracts for personal gain • Threatening litigation or bad publicity to obtain concessions Guardrails from God’s Word • Proverbs 11:1 — “Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight.” • 1 Thessalonians 4:6 — “In this matter no one should violate or exploit his brother, because the Lord will avenge all such acts.” • Micah 6:8 — “Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” • Matthew 5:37 — “Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’” These verses reinforce Luke 3:14: refuse coercion, embrace contentment, and deal honestly. Practical Steps to Avoid Extortion • Adopt transparent pricing: publish rates, eliminate surprise surcharges. • Use plain-language contracts: no hidden clauses or bait-and-switch terms. • Pay fair wages promptly; include overtime and benefits without delay (cf. James 5:4). • Implement double-signoff on large transactions; require accountability for every expense. • Refuse bribes, kickbacks, or “expedite fees.” Record and report any attempted inducement. • Provide clear return and complaint procedures; listen and make restitution quickly. • Audit weights, measures, software, and billing systems regularly (Proverbs 16:11). • Offer truthful advertising; disclose risks, limitations, and total costs. • Train staff in biblical ethics; celebrate integrity stories, not just profit milestones. • Practice contentment: budget within realistic margins so you are not tempted to squeeze others for gain. Cultivating a Culture of Integrity • Establish written values based on Scripture; display them where deals are made. • Invite outside accountability—board members, accountants, or mentors who fear God. • Reward ethical decisions even when they reduce short-term revenue. • Encourage open confession and quick correction when mistakes happen (Ephesians 4:28). • Pray together as a team for wisdom, humility, and financial stewardship. Trusting God with the Bottom Line Extortion often flows from fear: fear of loss, competition, or insufficient income. Luke 3:14 closes the door on that fear—“Be content with your wages.” Trust that the Lord provides; honest profit under His blessing is worth infinitely more than ill-gotten gain. |
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