What does "do not take advantage" teach about integrity in transactions? Setting the Scene Leviticus 25:14 – “If you make a sale to your neighbor or a purchase from him, you are not to take advantage of one another.” Leviticus 25:17 – “Do not take advantage of one another, but fear your God; for I am the LORD your God.” What “Do Not Take Advantage” Means • No hidden fees, inflated prices, or deceptive fine print. • No exploiting someone’s ignorance, desperation, or lack of options. • No manipulating market conditions for personal gain at another’s expense. • The command is rooted in reverence for God: “fear your God” (v. 17). Integrity flows from recognizing His watchful eye. Integrity Defined • Wholeness: the same honesty in private negotiation as in public worship. • Fairness: giving full value for value received. • Transparency: clear, truthful communication of terms. • Accountability: acknowledging God as final Judge of every deal (Proverbs 11:1). Why God Cares About Transactions • He is just and impartial (Deuteronomy 10:17). • Commerce affects community health; exploitation fractures trust (Micah 6:11-12). • Integrity in business is a daily witness to God’s character (Matthew 5:16). Principles for Today 1. Treat information as stewardship, not leverage. 2. Price goods and services to bless, not bleed, the customer. 3. Pay workers promptly and fully (James 5:4). 4. Honor contracts even when costs rise (Psalm 15:4). 5. Seek mutual benefit; refuse win-lose mind-sets (Philippians 2:4). Scriptures That Echo the Command • Proverbs 11:1 – “Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight.” • Deuteronomy 24:14-15 – “Do not take advantage of a hired worker… Pay him his wages each day before sunset.” • 1 Thessalonians 4:6 – “No one should take advantage and defraud his brother in this matter.” • Exodus 22:21 – “You must not exploit or oppress a foreign resident.” • Romans 13:8 – “Owe no one anything, except to love one another.” Practical Checkpoints • Before signing a contract, ask: Would I be content if roles were reversed? • In pricing, calculate fair cost plus reasonable profit—nothing gained through obscurity. • In negotiations, disclose material facts that affect the other party’s decision. • When mistakes surface, correct them immediately—even at personal expense. Living It Out • Let your business dealings become daily worship, reflecting God’s fairness. • Measure success not solely by profit but by testimony—did the transaction reveal Christ’s integrity? • Remember: every receipt is a record before heaven; every handshake, a covenant witnessed by God (Malachi 3:5). |
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