In previous meditations, we learned of three different business ethics from Abraham. He taught us to show respect to partners. We also learned of the importance of not taking advantage of anyone. Proverbs 28:8 says, “One who increases his possessions by usury and extortion Gathers it for him who will pity the poor” (NKJV). Jeremiah 17:11 speaks similarly in this regard – “As a partridge that broods but does not hatch, So is he who gets riches, but not by right; It will leave him in the midst of his days, And at his end he will be a fool” (NKJV). In addition to these, we learned yesterday of the importance of doing business in their ordered places.

Businesses must be conducted in the presence of witnesses…Be wary of transacting business with anyone who does not want witnesses to be present…tidy up the legal end of your transactions.

There are two more lessons which we will weave into one. Firstly, businesses must be conducted in the presence of witnesses. We made reference yesterday to Boaz who got married to Ruth in the presence of ten men of the city, apart from his kinsman who declined to marry her. As powerful as human brain is, information can fade away over time. If one suffers from memory loss, the witnesses will be able to supply the missing link. Be wary of transacting business with anyone who does not want witnesses to be present. Secondly, tidy up the legal end of your transactions. Abraham did not only have witnesses at the transaction, he had the land deeded to him. The word “deeded” connotes some form of legal documentations. A piece of legal document today can save you or your children from court cases in times to come.