Martin Luther saw this side of the debt issue clearer than many, and he had some firm words to say about it. He was concerned that business dealings be governed by ethics, not economics. “Because selling is an act performed toward your neighbor, it should rather be so governed by law and conscience that you do it without harm and injury to him, your concern being directed more toward doing him no injury than toward gaining profit for yourself.” For Luther, the idea that a seller could, or should, sell for as high a price as possible, was an occasion “given for avarice, and every window and door to hell is opened.” (Ibid., p. 247.) While this does not totally discount the idea of getting the highest possible price, it does mean that sellers must consider their motivation in attempting to get high prices for the sale of their goods. It does mean that money alone should not be the criterion by which we make the judgment. It is better to get a lower price and not see the buyer “injured” than to get a higher price and “hurt” the buyer. Greed is the issue here. Greed is an attitude that puts the individual and his desires at the forefront of any transaction (Isa. 56:11). The greedy person is only concerned for himself and what he can get. He gives little recognition to the needs of others. Naturally, the Bible warns us against greed.
Posted on: Wed, 29 Jan 2014 05:08:51 +0000