13. How can we maintain honesty if we have a business relationship with a fellow believer?

¹³ Our honesty with fellow believers also extends to matters of business. At times, Christian brothers and sisters may engage in business dealings together. They should be careful to keep such matters separate from the worship they carry out together at the Kingdom Hall or in the ministry. The business relationship may be that of an employer and an employee. If we employ brothers or sisters, we would be careful to treat them honestly, paying them in a timely way, in the amount agreed upon, and with the benefits arranged for or required by law. (1 Timothy 5:18; James 5:1-4) Conversely, if we are employed by a brother or a sister, we give the full amount of work for our wages. (2 Thessalonians 3:10) We do not expect preferential treatment because of our spiritual relationship, as if our employer owes us time off, benefits, or other advantages not accorded to other employees.​—Ephesians 6:5-8.

HONESTY IN THE SECULAR WORLD

15. How does Jehovah feel about dishonest business practices, and how do Christians respond to such popular trends?

¹⁵ A Christian’s honesty is not limited to the congregation. Paul said: “We wish to conduct ourselves honestly in all things.” (Hebrews 13:18) When it comes to secular business matters, our Creator is very interested in honesty. In the book of Proverbs alone, there are several references to dishonest scales. (Proverbs 11:1; 20:10, 23) In ancient times, it was common to use scales and weights in business transactions in order to weigh out the goods purchased and the money used to purchase them. Dishonest merchants would use two sets of weights and an inaccurate scale to deceive and cheat their customers.c Jehovah hates such practices! To remain in his love, we strictly avoid any and all dishonest business practices.