Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the relationship between masters and servants is addressed with clear directives regarding the treatment of servants, particularly concerning the timely payment of wages. The Scriptures emphasize the moral and ethical responsibility of masters to ensure that their servants are treated with fairness and justice, reflecting the broader biblical principles of righteousness and compassion.Biblical Mandate for Fair Wages The Bible explicitly instructs masters not to withhold wages from their servants. This directive is rooted in the broader biblical theme of justice and the protection of the vulnerable. In the Old Testament, the Law of Moses provides specific guidance on this matter. Leviticus 19:13 states, "You must not defraud your neighbor or rob him. You must not withhold until morning the wages due a hired hand." This command underscores the importance of prompt payment and the ethical obligation to honor agreements made with workers. Similarly, Deuteronomy 24:14-15 reinforces this principle: "Do not oppress a hired hand who is poor and needy, whether he is a brother or a foreigner residing in one of your towns. You are to pay his wages each day before sunset, because he is poor and depends on them. Otherwise, he may cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin." This passage highlights the urgency and necessity of daily payment, recognizing the immediate needs of the laborer and the potential spiritual consequences of neglecting this duty. New Testament Affirmation The New Testament continues to affirm the ethical treatment of servants and workers. In James 5:4 , the apostle James warns against the injustice of withholding wages: "Look, the wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts." This passage serves as a stark reminder that God is attentive to the plight of the oppressed and that there are divine repercussions for those who exploit their workers. Moral and Ethical Implications The biblical injunctions against withholding wages are not merely legalistic commands but are deeply rooted in the character of God, who is just and compassionate. Masters are called to reflect God's character in their dealings with their servants, recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of every individual. The failure to pay wages promptly is seen as an act of oppression and injustice, contrary to the values of the Kingdom of God. Furthermore, the biblical teaching on this subject extends beyond mere economic transactions. It encompasses a broader call to love one's neighbor and to act with integrity and fairness in all relationships. Masters are reminded that their authority comes with responsibility and that they are accountable to God for their treatment of those under their care. In summary, the Bible provides clear guidance for masters regarding their duty toward servants, particularly in the matter of wages. The consistent biblical message is one of justice, compassion, and integrity, urging masters to act in a manner that honors God and respects the dignity of their workers. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 19:13You shall not defraud your neighbor, neither rob him: the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with you all night until the morning. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 24:15 Library Thou Shalt Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother. The Domestic Relation. Spurgeon -- Songs in the Night Rom. x. 1 Christian Behavior Songs in the Night Rom. vi. 5 Rom. vi. 19 Letter xxii. To Eustochium. They Shall be Called the Children of God Resources What does the Bible say about disrespect? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to be double-minded? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that there is neither Jew nor Greek in Galatians 3:28? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Masters: Authority of, Established Masters: Duty of, Toward Servants: Not to Defraud Them Masters: Duty of, Toward Servants: Not to Keep Back Their Wages Masters: Duty of, Toward Servants: Not to Rule Over Them With Rigour Masters: Duty of, Toward Servants: To Act Justly Masters: Duty of, Toward Servants: To Deal With Them in the Fear of God Masters: Duty of, Toward Servants: To Esteem Them Highly, If Saints Masters: Duty of, Toward Servants: To Forbear Threatening Them Masters: Duty of, Toward Servants: To Take Care of Them in Sickness Masters: should Receive Faithful Advice from Servants Masters: should Select Faithful Servants Masters: Should, With Their Households: Fear God Masters: Should, With Their Households: Observe the Sabbath Masters: Should, With Their Households: Put Away Idols Masters: Should, With Their Households: Serve God Masters: Should, With Their Households: Worship God Related Terms Mephib'osheth (13 Occurrences) War-carriages (76 Occurrences) |
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