Topical Bible: Servants: Duties of, to Masters: Not to Defraud Them

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In the biblical context, the relationship between servants and masters is addressed with specific instructions regarding the conduct and duties of servants. One of the key duties emphasized is the obligation of servants not to defraud their masters. This principle is rooted in the broader biblical teachings on honesty, integrity, and faithfulness.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible provides clear guidance on the ethical behavior expected of servants. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul addresses the conduct of servants in his epistle to Titus. He instructs servants to be trustworthy and not to engage in theft or deceitful behavior:

"Slaves are to submit to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not stealing, but showing all good faith, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive." (Titus 2:9-10)

This passage underscores the importance of servants conducting themselves in a manner that reflects the teachings of Christianity, thereby enhancing the reputation of the faith.

Moral and Ethical Implications

The duty not to defraud masters is an extension of the broader biblical commandment against stealing, as found in the Ten Commandments: "You shall not steal." (Exodus 20:15). This commandment is a fundamental aspect of the moral law given by God, and it applies to all individuals, including servants.

The prohibition against defrauding masters also aligns with the biblical principle of loving one's neighbor as oneself (Leviticus 19:18). By acting with honesty and integrity, servants demonstrate love and respect for their masters, fulfilling the law of love that is central to Christian ethics.

Practical Application

In practical terms, the duty not to defraud encompasses various aspects of a servant's responsibilities. This includes being honest in financial matters, such as handling money or resources entrusted to them, and being truthful in their communications and actions. Servants are called to be faithful stewards of their master's property and interests, ensuring that they do not engage in any form of deceit or misappropriation.

The Apostle Paul's exhortation to the Colossians further reinforces this duty: "Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord." (Colossians 3:22). This instruction highlights the importance of sincerity and integrity, even when not under direct supervision.

Spiritual Significance

The duty of servants not to defraud their masters carries spiritual significance, as it reflects the servant's relationship with God. By serving their earthly masters faithfully, servants are ultimately serving Christ, who is the true Master. This perspective is emphasized in Ephesians 6:7-8 : "Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free."

In summary, the biblical duty of servants not to defraud their masters is a reflection of the broader Christian values of honesty, integrity, and love. It is a call to live out one's faith in practical ways, ensuring that one's conduct aligns with the teachings of Scripture and brings honor to God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Titus 2:10
Not purloining, but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

1 Cor. vii. 1, 2
... tell me, what harm is there when the duties of piety ... place, (1 Timothy 6:1, 2.)
"As many servants as are ... free then shows himself, when even under masters he is ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xix 1 cor vii.htm

The Fifth Commandment
... I am next to speak of the duties of the ... Thus should masters carry themselves prudently
and piously, that they may gain honour from their servants, and may ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 5 the fifth commandment.htm

The Domestic Relation.
... Duties Of Masters To Servants. ... Servants are to do good service and not defraud
their masters, and thus adorn the doctrine of God. ...
/.../orr/the gospel day /chapter xiii the domestic relation.htm

Ephesians v. 22-24
... But thou must do these duties too." Then mingle also with your discourse the Apostle's
words, that "thus God would have ... What the servants of such masters? ...
/.../homily xx ephesians v 22-24.htm

The Great Awakening.
... themselves watchfully to perform the relative duties of parents and ... husbands and
wives, brothers and sisters, masters, mistresses, and servants. ...
/.../bacon/a history of american christianity/chapter xi the great awakening.htm

Christian Behavior
... will harden. Speak not much, nor often, but pertinent to them with all
gravity.9. DUTIES OF MASTERS TO SERVANTS. Masters also have ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christian behavior.htm

Exposition of the Moral Law.
... parents and children.4. To the old and the young.5. To servants and masters.6. To ...
The duties which we owe to God are innumerable, but they seem to admit of ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 exposition of the.htm

Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C.
... God of his glory: since all the duties of relation ... another: and in this respect all
men are fellow-servants. ... by experience, that such as are masters of these ...
/.../proposition xv concerning salutations and.htm

The Same Necessary and Eternal Different Relations
... And the same proportion is to be observed in deducing the duties of parents and
children, of masters and servants, of governors and subjects, of ...
/.../i proposition i the same.htm

English Version of the Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566.
... of churches; as also instruction in all duties of piety ... they rejoice that we are
fellow-servants as touching ... number of these few, I will not defraud my nature ...
/.../english version of the second.htm