Definition and Context:
Marketing, in contemporary terms, refers to the activities and strategies employed to promote and sell products or services, including market research and advertising. While the Bible does not explicitly mention "marketing" as understood today, it provides principles and narratives that can be applied to the ethical and moral considerations of marketing practices.

Biblical Principles Related to Marketing:

1. Honesty and Integrity:
The Bible emphasizes honesty in all dealings. Proverbs 11:1 states, "Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight." This principle underscores the importance of truthfulness in marketing, ensuring that products and services are represented accurately and fairly.

2. Fairness and Justice:
Leviticus 19:13 commands, "You must not defraud your neighbor or rob him." Marketing practices should avoid exploitation and manipulation, ensuring that all transactions are conducted with fairness and justice.

3. Stewardship:
The concept of stewardship is central to biblical teaching. In Matthew 25:14-30, the Parable of the Talents illustrates the importance of wisely managing resources. Marketing, as a tool for business growth, should be conducted with a sense of responsibility and stewardship, recognizing that all resources ultimately belong to God.

4. Service to Others:
Philippians 2:4 advises, "Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." Marketing should focus on serving the needs of customers, providing value, and enhancing their well-being rather than solely pursuing profit.

5. Avoiding Greed:
The Bible warns against the dangers of greed. In Luke 12:15, Jesus cautions, "Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." Marketing strategies should be mindful of promoting contentment and not fostering materialism or covetousness.

Examples from Scripture:

· The Proverbs 31 Woman:
Proverbs 31:24 describes a virtuous woman who "makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchants." This passage highlights industriousness and entrepreneurship, suggesting that marketing and commerce, when conducted with virtue, are commendable.

· Paul’s Tentmaking:
The Apostle Paul, while spreading the Gospel, engaged in tentmaking to support himself (Acts 18:3). This example illustrates the balance between ministry and commerce, showing that marketing one's skills and products can be a legitimate means of provision.

Ethical Considerations:

· Truth in Advertising:
Ephesians 4:25 encourages believers to "speak truthfully to your neighbor." Marketing messages should be truthful, avoiding exaggeration or deception.

· Respect for Competitors:
Romans 12:10 advises, "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another." In a competitive market, respect and honor towards competitors should be maintained, avoiding slander or unethical practices.

· Impact on Society:
Marketing should consider its broader impact on society, promoting products and services that contribute positively to the community and align with biblical values.

In summary, while the Bible does not address marketing directly, it provides a framework of ethical principles that guide believers in conducting marketing activities with integrity, fairness, and a focus on serving others.1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Market.

2. (n.) The act of selling or of purchasing in, or as in, a market.

3. (n.) Articles in, or from, a market; supplies.

2585. kapeleuo -- to make a trade of
... gain. 2585 ("peddler") is only used in 2 Cor 2:17 -- of people "marketing
the ministry" (the Word of God) for fast gain. Word Origin ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2585.htm - 6k

Whether it is Lawful for Religious to Live on Alms?
... Monach.28): "Cut off the occasion of disgraceful marketing whereby you lower yourselves
in the esteem of others, and give scandal to the weak: and show men ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is lawful for 15.htm

The Economic Challenge to the Church
... Farmers' elevators, live-stock shipping associations, insurance companies,
fruit-and produce-marketing organizations have all gained a sound footing and each ...
/.../church cooperation in community life/chapter iii the economic challenge.htm

Diamond Became a Great Favourite with all the Men About the Mews. ...
... One day, which was neither washing-day, nor cleaning-day nor marketing-day, nor
Saturday, nor Monday"-upon which consequently Diamond could be spared from ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 17 diamond became a.htm

The Social Challenge to the Church
... potato-growers' associations, etc., and the increasing number of cooperative
organizations, such as farmers' elevators, fruit-marketing organizations, live ...
/.../vogt/church cooperation in community life/chapter iv the social challenge.htm

The Cleansing of the Temple.
... He was not to make pretence of doing so, but actually to accomplish the separation.
To reform abuses such as this marketing in the Temple was no pleasant task. ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol i/vi the cleansing of the.htm

Matt. xxiv. 16-18.
... Yet thou in all other matters preferrest him that giveth thee more as well in loans,
as in marketing and in warfare; but Christ alone, when giving more, and ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxvi matt xxiv 16-18.htm

Marketing (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Marketing (2 Occurrences). ... (BBE). Proverbs 31:18 She sees
that her marketing is of profit to her: her light does not go out by night. ...
/m/marketing.htm - 7k

Marketplace (8 Occurrences)

/m/marketplace.htm - 13k

Trading (24 Occurrences)
... gold. (BBE). Proverbs 31:18 She sees that her marketing is of profit to her:
her light does not go out by night. (See NIV). Jeremiah ...
/t/trading.htm - 13k

Marketh (2 Occurrences)

/m/marketh.htm - 7k

Senses (12 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS). Proverbs 31:18 She sees that her marketing is
of profit to her: her light does not go out by night. (See NAS). ...
/s/senses.htm - 10k

Crushing (93 Occurrences)
... and figs and all sorts of goods which they took into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day:
and I gave witness against them on the day when they were marketing food. ...
/c/crushing.htm - 35k

Sorts (65 Occurrences)
... and figs and all sorts of goods which they took into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day:
and I gave witness against them on the day when they were marketing food. ...
/s/sorts.htm - 26k

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