As a Christian and a family focused entrepreneur, I believe that faith is a key ingredient in small business success. In this current economy, the people of God must remember that if you honor God through your business he will direct your path.
Each year, I pick a bible verse as my theme for the New Year. As I considered which bible verse would guide me in 2010, I thought it would be helpful to share some of my favorites. Use these bible verses in the good and tough times in your small business.
1. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your path.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) Learn something every day. If you only lean on your own knowledge in your business, you will not be able to grow. You must grow yourself to grow your business
2. “Behold, I am doing something new! It’s already happening; don’t you recognize it? I will clear a way in the desert. I will make rivers on dry land.” Isaiah 43:19 (GOD’S WORD® Translation) Sometimes your business will need to move as the market pulls you in a different direction. You might need to reinvent your business, and you should not be afraid. God’s always got your back.
3.”Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6 (NIV) One of the most important things you can do for your business is to pray every day.
4. “Faith without works is dead.” James 2:26 (KJV) You can’t just pray for success. Develop a plan and work your plan. If you can do something about your situation, then do it. Stop making excuses, stop procrastinating, and do it!
5. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NIV) There will be contracts that you really need that you will not win. There will be days when you drop the ball on your customer service, but you can not let that define you or your business. You will get another opportunity and even if you don’t, God is with you always.
6. “As I think in my heart, so am I.” Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV) Your thoughts can be your number #1 asset or your biggest liability. When you are alone in your office or back bedroom, your thoughts can easily turn on you. Your ability to stay positive, learn from all experiences and shake off mistakes quickly will be a big asset to you and your business.
7. “God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love and sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) Making decisions in your small business based on fear is never helpful. For that matter making decisions in anger is not good either. Try hard not to be reactionary with clients, vendors or employees. Use factual information and up-to date financials to make sound business decisions.
8. “But these things I plan won’t happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day.” Habakkuk 2:3 (TLB) You need to understand that God’s time is not your time. There may come a time in your business when you just know you have a contract, one that you really need and things fall through. Those are the times when you need to trust in the Lord the most. When we accept God’s timing, we can learn to live in hope and enjoy our lives while God is working on our problems.
9. “Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding;” Proverbs 3:13 (NIV) You need to be a life long learner in order to be successful in business. You should constantly seek to improve yourself and increase your knowledge about the business of running a business.
10. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV) This is my new bible verse for 2010. It came to me watching a college football game. I believe I was only watching the game to see it.
Remember, whether you are religious or not you can always pray about your business.
Special Shout out to Joyce Meyer Ministries for her book The Secret Power of Speaking God’s Word which gave me guidance for this post and to Pastor F.L. Anderson who gave me some biblical wisdom for this article. Read his blog http://www.FLAnderson.com.
Do you have a special bible verse that has helped you in your business? Please leave a comment and tell me about it.
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, E-NEWSLETTER OR WEB SITE? You may, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:
Melinda Emerson “SmallBizLady“, is a Veteran Entrepreneur, Small Business Expert and Social Media Coach who hosts #Smallbizchat on Twitter. #Smallbizchat is the trusted resource on Twitter to discuss everything entrepreneurs need to know about launching and running a profitable small business. Melinda’s first book, Become Your Own Boss in 12 months. A Month-by-Month Guide to a Business that Works will be released by Adams Media in March 2010.
For more tips on how to start or grow your small business visit https://succeedasyourownboss.com and subscribe to Melinda Emerson’s blog.
What a beautiful way to remind business owners that Faith is present in all the ways we live, work & play. Thank you for sharing this deeply meaningful post.
Great article, a must read for all christian business owners.
These are all great scriptures, but my favorite has to be Proverbs 3:5,6. I love how we told to NOT lean on our own understanding. Sometimes things in life don’t happen the way we expect them to, but God is still in control. He will direct us in the way that HE wants us to go. Praise God that He is even in the midst of our businesses and WANTS us to be successful.
Thanks for the great post!
DAWN
The scripture that is helping me most and is one of my seed scriptures for 2010 is Jeremiah 29:11. Who else but God knows what I need to be doing. He already had it written out before I even came to be.
I rest in that and try my best on a daily basis to move in Gos’s flow and that not of my own!
Marcus—
I am glad you like my blog’s facelift. My blog has a custom wordpress theme that was designed by @wordpresslady also known as Kim Beasley http://www.yourpassionatebusiness.com.
Good Luck,
Melinda
I love your faith.. thanks for such enrichment 😍😍
Hi Melinda!
A friend of mine, Shara from Mommy Perks, sent me the link to this great article! I, too, am a believer and love what you wrote: “I believe that faith is a key ingredient in small business success.” I whole heartedly agree! I write a column each week on Moms of Faith called “Faith & Business 101” where we tackle this subject every Friday!
Thanks for being a wonderful woman of God!
Your insights and information on this entire site are incredible! I’ll be passing your site on to my Christian Mom Partners! 🙂
Blessings,
MariLee Parrish
MariLee–
Thank you so much for your comment. God led me to become the “Smallbizlady” and develop content to End Small Business Failure. I believe Faith & Business go hand-in-hand. In all our ways, we must honor him. I would love to learn more about your column.
Good business and great blessings,
Melinda
Lincoln—
I am so glad that you found me. This is one of my favorite blog posts because it is how I really feel. Please come back ans see me again soon.
Best–
Melinda
I needed to stop and get the Word in me today, so I YAHOO’D “verses for small business owners” and found this blog. What a reminder for business owners to dwell on. I am going to print it out and keep it in my journal along with my “How to pray for your children” list. Thanks so much.
Patti
Well said! After, reading all the verses and your comments, in my mind I summed it all up with Psalm 23:1 “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want” So as long as I have HIM as my shepherd in every aspect of my life… I should not be in want of anything that HE can provide for me… business or personal life.
Thanks again
Babs–
I could not agree more. My favorite verse is Proverbs 3:5-6. I am glad this blog post spoke to you. I believe all of our power comes from God’s grace. We harness the power through prayer.
My best to you,
Melinda Emerson
Great list. #7 is one of my personal life verses. Sometimes being an entrepreneur can be a scary thing – that is, when we take our eyes off of God.
Brad—
All of the bible verses on the list are special to me, but my favorite verse is Proverbs 3:5-6. I am glad this blog post spoke to you. I believe all of our power comes from God’s grace.
My best to you.
Melinda Emerson
Thank you very much. This is very inspiring and it is spirit lifting… God Bless you. This goes a long way. Remain Blessed
Thank you for your comment, I am thrilled that it helped you.
To your business success,
Melinda
This is wonderful. God wants us to let our light shine whereever we go. Our buisness and worklife should not be seperated from our relationship with God. It shows that we must show our faith and implement God’s wisdom and practices in our buisness and workplace.
One of my top ten is….Proverbs 10:22…The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.
The strength of Scripture, always timely, always uplifting, always arresting, nothing else compares.
Alexandria
Love this post. Sent it to my future partner(in our new venture). We will be running our new business with integrity as men of God…
Thanks Again!
Hector—
I am thrilled that this post spoke to you. The best think you can do for your business is pray about it every day.
To your business success–
Melinda
Thank you so much for this post Melinda!
Thank you for your demonstration of Faith, and thank you for sharing such powerful wisdom. May you have a very Merry & Blessed Christmas. 🙂
Marlee—
Thank you for your comment. I believe the most important thing you can do for your business is pray everyday. It’s hard being a business owner sometimes, and I want people to know where their strength comes from.
Keep your eyes toward heaven in 2011.
To your business success.
Melinda
Love it! I’m on the right track. We NEVER lose. Either we WIN or we Learn!
Jesse–
I know you will have great success in 2011. With God’s help we’ll never loose. We win or We learn will be a blog post this year.
Keep your eyes toward heaven in 2011.
Melinda
As a partner with Bill Winston Ministry I was on his Facebook page and clicked on Joseph School of Business, and saw this posted. Thank you so much!
This was so helpful; and just a great reminder!
LaTersa—
Thanks for your comment. I am so grateful that it encourages you.
To your business success.
Melinda
Thank you Melinda. This was very inspiring. God is indeed my driver and I’m the passenger tagging along for the ride. God’s richest blessings for you and your business.
Great reminder… Nothing more to say!! Thank you for the post 🙂
These are all good and I would like to add a couple of others:
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” (Prov 16:3 NIV) and “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Prov 18:21 NIV) and of course “For I know the plans I have for you, said the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and finde me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:11-13) . I have these posted on my computer with other inspirational sayings that keep me focused, grounded, and positive when every day is not perfect in my business. I know I have a purpose and each day I have to remind myself that what I am doing and need to do must align with that purpose
Josie—
Thank you so much for your great suggestions. I am working on a new post that I believe will utilize some of your suggestions.
Have a great week.
Melinda
Melinda, What an inspired (and inspirational) post! Definitely worth sharing. A good book for Christian business owners is “Doing Business by the Good Book.” It contains 52 Bible based lessons we can put to use in our businesses.
Jackie–
I have that book, signed by the author in fact. Another good one is God is my CEO. Thanks for your comment.
Be Blessed—
Melinda
Thanks for these powerful verses. I believe that we still should be guided by the eternal teachings of the Bible. I truly believe that faith without works is dead. Just like the heart without hands is futile. We need actions and constant practice.
This was very timely. Thanks for sharing. I will put a link on my website. God bless.
Thank you for the scriptures that God gave you. It really touch me in a special way and I starting using them this morning and God has already started to move in my business. I also started reading Charles Stanley book called Handle with prayer. You are a blessing.
Hello. There are days when I am confused and worrisome. That is when I need to remember that God is indeed in control. He has a plan. I need to follow it. Thanks for your time.
Thank you for writing this excellent piece! I was searching today for Bible verses for business owners and found this. Perfect.
We are building our business as writers during this recession. Feel called to it but definitely stepping out in faith and operating with trust!
I just want to thank you for posting this! I was on the internet searching for such verses as these, as I am promoting myself as an author of childrens books as well as starting an e-commerce business. This has motivated and uplifted me. Phil 4:13 We can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens us!
Thank you for an inspirational article. I am new to Twitter and found you there. All of your articles that I have read so far have been quite useful.
My small business specializes in Vacation Bible School materials and its name, Hasten Home, is in reference to II Peter 3:12: “Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God….”
My life verse is I John 3:18: “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” I believe this is important in business as well as anywhere else in life–our words must be backed by our actions!
Hi Miss Melinda,
I am a first timer in world of business. I work as a branch pharmacist in a distribution company and wants to earn something after work. We (me and my sister) just started this August an online shop of clothing, exclusively available within our country only. Since my sister resigned from her previous work til the time she gave birth to my niece, she haven’t applied for any work yet. And we need extra income to finance other billings and of course to help our parents, too since they’re getting old already and we want them to stop from their work if possible. That’s the time I’ve searched for quotes or inspirational Christian verses used for business. And of course I found your site/article. Oh sorry, that’s too much of introducing myself. Anyway, just want to thank you for the words of encouragement and I strongly believe that those attitudes and discipline for oneself are really needed to be mastered when entering a business. In addition too, you are guided and lighten with the Word of God which is the most important thing especially during the hard times and decision making. Hope that I’ll be able to read more of your works regarding business thing. Thank you so much, more powers and God bless!
I do not have a business but these are principles and rules you can apply to your personal life and it works just the same.
This post was written over a year ago but that just goes to show you that the word of God will forever stand. It is a definate reassurance of the wonderful things God is doing in my business. Thank you so much for taking the time to write this. It is a blessing.
My other favourite scripture is Isaiah 54:2 – 3
Be Blessed
This is really inspiring……just been worried about my business…i decided to check what the word says about business so i stumbled across this blog…i’m so glad and i know this scriptures will greatly help…..MAY THE GOOD LORD BLESS YOU AND CONTINUE TO MAKE YOU A BLESSING UNTO MANY.
Melinda, I thought these verses were pertinent and immediately applicable. The Scripture is good for whatever business you are in, and it’s principles are timeless. In the Cincinnati area, there is a group called “At Work On Purpose”, that is the largest “living out your faith at work” organization in the USA. Chuck Proudfit is the president, and a capable and exceptional leader. He encourages and lift hundreds of us up in prayer, and there is a major thrust to revolutionize revival in the Cincinnati area. www.atworkonpurpose.org will give more info. Great post, even thought I am substantially late to this party!
Lee—
I posted a new one just this week 12 Bible Verses Every Small Business Owner Needs For 2012 http://tinyurl.com/bwqo6qt Please share it.
In his service,
Melinda F. Emerson
Number 7 and 8 jumped right out to me. These scriptures are an answer to prayer, it is Gods time and not mine, I am learning to accept that. It’s all in his perfect timing (I have to keep saying that to get through it right now). This blog was something I just happened to stumble upon, thank you for the inspiration that I needed at this particular moment!
I thank God for wise individuals like yourself. I remember when I officially started my event planning business…I was so happy, gung-ho about my ideas and i just went at it by registering it, and building my website and the whole nine. Well, after getting all the paper work done and it being officially a business, I realized I had not even consulted God about moving through with it; the steps that He may have wanted me to take or even whether or not it was something He had in His will for me to do. So I dropped everything and went into prayer about the whole thing. Letting God know that if this was not something He wanted for me than I would just let it go; although I love what I do. Anyway, not long after, the Lord began to let me know that this was something that He is allowing me to do, something that He would bless me in.
With all that said, there is a young lady in my area who approached me a while back because she saw that I had my business and she visited my website and wanted to start her own event planning business. NOw initially I was hesitant, but I gave her advice, told her to seek God as I had, and go from there. I even allowed her to shadow me at an event. She approached me about some information on some centerpieces for an event she’s doing and so I told her that I would provide those services so she went with me for her client. Well, yesterday, she texted me and said she was interested in learning how to do the centerpieces and asked me if I would be willing to show her. First, I was hesitant…I still am. As far as my business goes, this is business and creating things specifically is my craft. I adore it…more so than executing/coordinating an event. I know God has given me the skills to do the things i do as far as the creative aspect goes. I want to protect that…especially when we are in the same industry. I don’t want to seem like I don’t want to help her but I have to pray about a way to help her and still protect this vision. My plan is to expand my business with my creativity and at this point, I want to protect any ideas I may have.
Is there a scripture regarding something like this as far as business goes. When it comes to your skill, gifts, abilities that God gives us and utilizing them but not sharing everything. I have to be wise in this without damaging the relationship. Any advice?
Sounds to me that the lord is showing you a potential partner. I say that because it appears you have the creativity covered and this other person likes the event planning and getting the business. Look beyond yourself and see that God will bring others into our life to achieve His purpose and teach us on relationships. I pray for you Numbers 6:24-26.
Thanks for the quotes! They are important for small businesses because of the uncertainty of it. When you start one, you don’t know if it will be successful or not. So its great to find some inspiration somewhere.
Tx Melinda,
Your combination of verses(Gods Word) focused on bussinessmen inspired me.
When in South Africa, pls take time to visit our office?
Kind Regards
Etienne Oosthuizen
+27 (0) 82 5514633
Hi SmallBizLady. I learned about you and your business through the Black Enterprise & Dell Small Business University. Today, I just happened to be searching for Bible verses to keep me motivated during my business start-up. Your site happened to pop up as the first link in my search! Thank you providing these scriptures. This is the inspiration what I needed!
This was a needed blessing to me and my prayer group. Esp point 8. Keep up the blessed work
I really liked all the comments especially my number one verse Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord: They are plans for good not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. I’m planning to open my business next year after Easter and I’m busy buying my tools thanx to the Lord. Keep me on prayers to open a successful and profitable business in Jesus name Amen.
I asked God for a “manual ” for my business and He answered “I did. The Bible”. So I openened it and found 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12. He gave me 12 points to apply. I hope He speaks to someone else through this scripture as He did me.
the verses was really useful for the day
Such a wonderful and timely reminder, thank you so much for taking the time to compile all these wonderful verses. Don’t you just marvel at how God has us covered in EVERY situation?!
May God richly bless you in every area of your business and finance and I pray that He will elevate you to higher heights in proclaiming His way and His word to the world.
This is beautiful! Thank you Melinda for inspiring us all. As I read through your post, I’m struck by how much more of this I should be applying IN DAILY LIFE beyond business. Thank you!
Thanks, it is so hard and stressful spliting from my business partner to go out on my own. Your page was so easy to find it was like it was meant to be. Thank you and God bless!
hi can you help me inprove my business
I also went through a tough time splitting from business partners but trusting in God surely pulled me through. Making it on your own requires you to focus on making yourself better without the influence of others. Focus on God and the rest will pull through
the 10 verses are powerful in a sense that they are God centred, lean not on your own understanding…trust in the lod….but these things i plan. Thank u Melinda. My business verse is Isaiah 45v3.
Hi
Thanks Melinda. I have always used Prov 3:5-6 in other areas of my life but not my business. Thanks for that. My favourite business scriptures is Isaiah 45:1-3
These scriptures are powerful and give direction. Today’s Christian businesspersons must stay in the Word for a well rounded life. Each person needs to hear and read such material. Thank you.
Love it, very inspirational and true indeed!
Thank you! This is exactly what I needed.
The teaching of entrepreneurship from the Biblical point of view is an approach that no one will ever gainsay. In fact beginning with my undergraduate research project, which I am doing now, to all future researches, this will be my area of interest. It is interesting, I tell you. Thanks alot, and God bless you abundantly.
All i can say is to thank the Holy Spirit..this is all what we need..What God wants isn’t the money etc but All He wants is the Word, master the ward, you’ve got all the treasures.Our job is to Yes and Amen..
My favorite Bible Scripture is Philippians 4:13 “I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthen Me”. I’m in the early stages of developing my business by moving the business out of my home. I have my eye on a building I drove on the parking lot and began to pray asking God’s favor over this particular building. Faith is the substance of those things hope for and that evidence of those things not seen. I know I can do all things through Christ who gives me the strength, knowledge, wisdom to do all things in God’s eyes in running a successful business. God has given me the gift in working with children. About four years ago, I open a small daycare called Vision Childcare Learning Facility. I prayed for the name and the Holy spirit spoke to my heart and said, you already have the name. “VISION” Within my business I asked God for endurance and patience in running my daycare business. I started by asking Christ to let my light shine were my parents and children could see the spirit of Christ within me.
I asked Him to strengthen my walk and talk in making wise decision to become a patience daycare provider. We can do all things in God’s eye sight in our service to others and by asking for that wisdom, knowledge and the understanding of those things we have no control over within my business. I can to all things through Christ that gives me that peace of being a peach maker in times of mis-understanding and conflicts within the business. But the most important of them all, I can do all things through prayer by asking God to give me strength during times of disagreements in making wise business decision. ( This is my favorite Bible Scripture). Brenda Collins, Director / Owner of Vision Childcare Learning Facility.
Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way
I find proverbs 19:2 really helpful moments when an idea strikes and seems a good venture or a person with what may seem a brilliant idea approaches me for a partnership deal . I get convicted to step back and take this advice from God
Melinda, thank for the business help, and for help with billing. May God bless you nonetheless.
Last night I was praying asking God to please give me some scriptures to read before making another step opening this daycare. So I googled prayers for businesses and your page came up. When I tell you that was the best thing I could’ve have done. I have read this twice and I have so much peace about opening this daycare. I firmly believe that God will place people or things in your path at the right time. I must say the scriptures you gave had me in tears because that we’ll needed for me. Thank you and I will be buying your book. I pray you keep helping touching others as you have done to me. Thank you!!!
God’s Word stands forever! These 10 scriptures have been bookmarked in my browser for at least 3 years and have been posted here since what appears to be 2011 (maybe longer). I am so grateful for them. They and the commentary refresh my spirit, renew my perspective, and encourage me every time I revisit them! Thank you!
l was looking for something like this and guess wat,as l was reading i could not help my self but criying..Thank you so much and God bless yu