What Does The Bible Say About Economic Justice?

For centuries, philosophers, economists, and theologians have reflected on the intersection of ethics and economics. Though Jesus had little to say about economic systems, he had much to say about economic life—about wealth, possessions, and personal morality. The Bible clearly treats economics as a moral issue.

When it comes to economics, the world of the Bible and today’s global economy are totally different. In that era, it was often difficult to get ahead financially—most people remained in the socioeconomic station into which they were born. Many of the rich became wealthy through inheritance, patronage, or corruption—sometimes by abusing political power as the tax collectors were known to do or by exploiting the vulnerable. Further, the lot of the poor was very difficult, since public assistance from the state didn’t really exist; the poor survived largely on private charity.

The emphasis in the Bible is on the ends of the economic system more than on the means for accomplishing those ends. But what are those ends?

First, an economic system should maximize the opportunities for humans to exercise creativity, initiative, and innovation; we might call this maximizing entrepreneurial traits or investing in human capital. Putting the resources of the world to responsible and productive use is a key part of what it means for humans to exercise dominion over creation as God’s image bearers.

A second clear end of the economic system is to provide a means for humans to support themselves and their dependents. It is to provide meaningful work and an opportunity for everyone to obtain the necessary resources for flourishing.

A third end of the economic system is that it must take care of those who cannot take care of themselves. It must provide a safety net for the poor. Both private charity and government assistance assume productive wealth creation. In addition, an economic system must provide opportunities for the poor to help themselves out of poverty and to uphold their dignity at the same time. They are to be participants in the system and not simply recipients of charity.

Here is a summary of the biblical principles governing economic life:

1.The material world is intrinsically good because it’s God’s good creation, though marred by sin.

2.God owns the world’s economic resources and humans are trustees of those resources; they are responsible for their careful and productive use.

3.Responsible wealth creation is integrally connected with the dominion mandate and with humans being made in the image of God.

4.Work/economic activity is fundamentally good and ordained by God.

5.Humans capable of working are responsible for supporting themselves and their dependents.

6.The community is responsible for helping to support those unable to work.

7.Humans are not to exploit the economically vulnerable, but to help them support themselves.