At the top of each year, I pull together my favorite Bible verses to encourage you along your journey as a small business owner. As you run your small business, situations will arise where you will be frustrated, pushed and your faith will be tested. At those times, these words from the Bible will encourage you when you need it. This is my fifth year of writing Bible verses every small business owner needs. I have been so blessed by so many of you who have told me how these posts have been exactly what you needed. You all have inspired me to keep it going.
My Bible verse theme for the year is, Philippians 3:13-14 – when I read it I always feel encouraged to look forward and not dwell on the past. Running a business can feel make you feel like you’re a chicken in a race every day. At times it’s easy to become too busy or tired to pray, but never forget that’s where our power comes from. Keep these verses close by to keep you grounded in the face of adversity. I believe God wants us all to live a good life. Here are 14 Bible verses every small business owner needs for 2014.
Philippians 3:13-14 NIV Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Too often, we as small business owners relive past hurt and disappointments. Let it go, shake it off and move forward. You probably thought you were going to get that contract, but if you didn’t, you were not supposed to. Keep pressing ahead in truth and integrity, and everything will work out in your business.
Deuteronomy 8:18 NIV But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today. Many of us who call ourselves entrepreneurs and small business owners are arrogant. It certainly takes confidence to be successful in business but you must always remember from whom all blessings flow. God has given you the talent and ability to make money, and that should keep you humble.
1 Peter 4:10 NIV Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. You should think of your business as a service to others first. Making money will come second. It’s about give to get. If you make networking all about closing a contract, people will see right through you and you’ll get nowhere fast. Listen for an opportunity to give first.
2 Corinthians 13:5-6 NIV Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test. There will be times in your business when your faith in people will be tested, but you can’t judge everyone by the actions of one person. People are human they will let you down sometimes. You can’t grow your business by yourself. You’ll need to be able to trust others with key roles to build the business of your dreams. Be smart. Use contracts, non-disclosure and non-compete agreements with everyone. Never lose faith in yourself or others.
Matthew 6:14-15 NIV For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Have a forgiving spirit. Now that doesn’t mean to keep employees and contracts that don’t deliver, just don’t be hateful. Everyone makes mistakes, and you will, too. If you have a spirit of forgiveness, your client might just have that same spirit, when you miss a major deliverable.
Isaiah 45:2 NIV I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. Always know that it is God who fights your battles. Don’t waste energy trying to get back at those who wrong you in business. Their actions will eventually come to light. People put themselves out of business.
Joshua 1:9 NIV 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. The number #1 thing that holds back most entrepreneurs is confidence. Be strong and courageous about your business. You are selling yourself as much as your product or service. If you don’t believe in it, then no one else will believe in it either. Make sure your self-talk is positive. Master your pitch and just wait for the answer.
Mark 5:36 NIV Overhearing what they said, Jesus told them, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” There will be times when you are the only person who believes in your business dream. God wants us to push ourselves to greatness. Don’t be afraid; just believe in yourself and your business idea. Do your homework and identify a target client. When you have a plan, you don’t have to be afraid. Winging it is scary.
1 Peter 5:8 NIV Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. The devil is always out to conquer and destroy relationships in business and in your personal life. Give people around you the benefit of the doubt. When you feel offended or angry, make sure your emotions are not lying to you. Focus on what is true. Before you need to make a hard call or have a difficult meeting, pray first for the right words.
3 John 1:2 NIV Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. It is important that you prioritize your health as you build your business. Too many of us entrepreneurs are workaholics. You are not a machine. Focus on your self-care. Schedule time for yourself to go on a date, read, workout, or spending time with your kids.
Proverbs 2:6-8 NIV For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. God will give you the desire of your heart, if you serve him. Be a good boss, mentor and friend to your fellow business owners and God will never forsake you. Sleep well knowing God’s always got your back, and your front when you need it.
Proverbs 29:11 NIV Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. Watch your temper! The devil can use you when you give in to a flash of rage. Words hurt, and you can’t take them back if too much damage is done. Wait 24 hours before responding to an angry email, or better yet just pick up the phone and talk.
Romans 8:5 NIV Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. Each day, I seek to be an example of God’s light and love. Make sure you know the real motives behind why you work so hard in your business. Who are you glorifying? Money isn’t everything. Focus on what is really important in life.
Ephesians 6:12 NIV For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Make sure you remember who the real enemy is; it’s not your staff, customers or your family. You need to treat all of them like they are your #1 asset in your business.
I hope these words encourage you to live your best life in 2014, God Bless.
Bobbi Mullins says
January 20, 2014 at 9:23 amLove this! Thank you so much!
Zenobia says
January 20, 2014 at 9:59 amThank you for sharing this! I am an emerging artist and was reading the bible this morning looking for inspiration. My phone chimed, indicating that I had email and I saw your post. This is fabulous!
Sharon McCone says
January 20, 2014 at 6:48 pmWonderful blog post today. FYI — Philippians 3:14 is the motivation for the name of my firm. If you read that verse in a Spanish-language translation, the single word for “press on” is PROSIGO.
The idea is appropriate for our Career Advancement Service (Career Coaching) as well as for our Executive Recruiting Practice. Whether a person is the candidate or the employer, there has been something in the past motivating our connection.
The Apostle Paul was talking to the Philippians here and they had quite a bit to shake off. The metaphor is as an Olympic runner… pressing on [forward] with eyes fixed on the mark that leads to the prize that is the goal, or the “high calling” for which we have been called.
When we take our eyes off of of the mark, we swerve out of our lane — whether running on a track, swimming in a lane, looking at the kids in the rearview mirror, or in our careers.
Swerving out of our lane requires extra steps, strokes, or other energy/time draining effort and actually slows down our reaching the destination.
I believe part of the key in this verse is that the prize IS the “high calling of God in Christ Jesus”, as translated in the KJV. Our businesses can be our ministries. God’s ultimate goal may not be what we can see. So we can keep our eyes on the immediate signposts along the way, remembering that “His ways are higher than our ways” and Press On!
Daniel says
January 21, 2014 at 12:47 amWhat a great blogpost.
Regina says
January 20, 2014 at 9:17 pmThanks for sharing this great information….#priceless
Sherma Felix says
January 21, 2014 at 12:48 amThank you VERY MUCH! That’s some really good stuff. Happy New Year!
Barbara Crouthamel says
January 21, 2014 at 1:19 amLove that you proved that the Bible is timeless and a help for everyone at anytime for anything!
Rosalyn Clark says
January 22, 2014 at 5:31 pmLove this write up.
Nombulelo says
January 24, 2014 at 4:33 amthe verses are so encouraging
Sandra says
January 24, 2014 at 9:54 amThank you for sharing God’s Word as a tool of inspiration, guidance, and sustaining a close walk with our Lord. It is and will be a continued reminder of God’s grace as I enter my second year in private practice.
Tirzah says
January 26, 2014 at 3:50 pmDear Melinda,
I feel so blessed to have met you. As a Christian I share my faith with conviction, as you also do. How refreshing and delightful.
Blessings.
marie says
January 30, 2014 at 3:56 amI feel so blessed reading this. Also reassuring to see another business owner who is firmly rooted in Christ. May God establish the work of your hands.( Amen)
Rich says
February 3, 2014 at 1:54 amVery inspiring!
Saran says
February 3, 2014 at 11:38 pmThank you so much for sharing these Bible verses. I am going to print this out and share with my team members. These are so on point and needed for us right now in the moment we are in! Be Blessed and I pray that God continues to Bless you beyond measure!
Ana Serrano says
February 4, 2014 at 11:44 amJeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, ” plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”
Jae says
January 6, 2016 at 8:46 amAmen to that!
David Coates says
February 11, 2014 at 7:40 amMy wife and I have been in. The construction business since1991. We have always dedicated. Our business to God andtried always to do the right thing. The last three years have been bad financially. And if we don’t get a miraclewe will have to declare bankruptcy. Please pray for us for wisdom and knowledge
Samuel CS Porcalla says
February 21, 2014 at 6:37 pmthank you for writing this inspiring blog. it came in a perfect time when i had no one to turn to for help and about to give up. These words of wisdom and faith from God have become my compass in pursuing my purpose as an entrepreneur.
Mark says
January 18, 2015 at 2:41 pmOnly came across this article now in 2015. A year late. It is scary how appropriate this article is. My 2014 transpired almost exactly like this
Donna Easters says
February 28, 2015 at 1:34 pmThank you for this great encouragement and reminder of God’s faithfulness through ALL things and our responsibility to honor HIM through our business and our lives!!! Last Tuesday our business warehouse, all equipment, office and records burned to the ground. We are confident that all things happen for a reason and that God can/will use this for our good. We praise him for giving us the strength to walk through this loss, and we covet your prayers as we move forward rebuilding and striving to represent Christ and give HIM the Glory in All things past, present and future!!! God is GOOD ALL the time!!!! (We have owned/operated a Landscape Maintenance business for 30 years) God has been and will continue to be faithful as we move forward!
Patti says
March 5, 2015 at 4:33 amThank you I shared with other friends who business owners
Kalista says
March 5, 2015 at 9:40 pmThese are great verses for business people.. I love this article.. I read another article about top 20 uplifting bible verses for depression.. Just go through this another awesome article.. http://www.worthofread.com/best-20-uplifting-bible-verses-for-depression/
Charissa McCarron says
April 2, 2015 at 12:48 pmMelinda,
Your presentation yesterday at ICON15 was fabulous. I saw your unspeakable JOY before you even got on stage…..and when my friend from church & i sat next to a woman working for Dave Ramsey, and then you mentioned how God forced you to pause from over-working. …I knew I was in the right place.
This is my first ICON, my first week using Twitter, and you are the first person I’ve selected to follow!
Can’t wait to learn more.
Blessings to you,
Charissa
Donna says
April 17, 2015 at 11:28 pmI have recently read I Thes. 4:11 in a whole new light!!! I think so many newer translations have it as “….mind your own business and work with your own hands…..,” but the OKJ version says, “…do your own business and work with your own hands….,” as opposed, I think, to doing someone else’s business (spending your energy to make their profit). Make your own profit,, use your own talents to work your own business,, whether you make shoes, sell widgets, do consulting, plan parties, write books. The lord is telling us to be entrepreneurs!!! Where and how did we get so off track………….where we go to school and aspire to get a job? We have been so dumbed down. I am reading James Altucher’s latest book, The Choose Yourself Guide to Wealth. It is such a great read.
Efe says
April 25, 2015 at 5:18 amI am so blessed to have this life changing resource, thank you so much
Andile says
May 6, 2015 at 7:27 amPrays be unto God for such a graet information
Cynthia Williams says
June 13, 2015 at 1:53 pmWe have been in business for 2 and a half years now. We started out with 1 contract, January 2013, we agreed on a smaller amount, because it was our first contract. I am frustrated because we haven’t grown much for a number of reasons. I won’t to give the business up, but my business partner doesn’t. However she doesn’t want to take advantage of the networking that is offered to us or classes on information about running a business. What can I do.
Sherlander Lawrence says
June 19, 2015 at 1:35 pmThanks so much for these inspiring bible verses.This is EXACTLY what I needed.I’m trying to start a non profit organization mentoring group for the youth..And it’s a struggle but when God embed something in your and tells you to do something,you must follow(Mark 16:15…I’m following…I will NOT give up!!!May God bless you for caring enough for others…
Steve Mucheru says
July 23, 2015 at 10:32 amAm blessed by your write up ,continue blogging.
Sheree says
July 30, 2015 at 3:15 pmI’ve been taught to give my seed a name when I am sowing it, and just recently was advised to bathe my business in prayer, to prepare it for profit. Not just monetary, but in it’s purpose it becomes profitable. I was searching for just the right scriptures to “bathe” my business in when I found your page, this article. Truly a blessing; I shall be linked in, connected and looking out going forward. Thank you!!
daisy says
August 7, 2015 at 4:31 pmThis really touched my mama and I. Thank God for leading me here….
Kaley says
August 28, 2015 at 9:14 amThank u thank u!! Be blessed u totally just blessed me with this article!!
Lindsay says
September 1, 2015 at 3:04 pmGreat advice I needed. Thank you. You should change the title and remove 2014 since it applies to any year!
Melinda Emerson says
September 2, 2015 at 11:23 amThanks, Lindsay! I actually write one of these each year. Here’s this year’s: http://succeedasyourownboss.com/10-bible-verses-every-small-business-owner-needs-2015/
Mason Mortimer says
October 6, 2015 at 8:51 pmWow! Good word! I was expecting fluff. My apologies. 2 Cor 9:8 is one I stand upon!
Bernadette says
October 11, 2015 at 12:55 amThank you for the inspiring biblical passages. Your readers need to explore the latest big trend according to Forbes magazine- Crowdfunding. $1.35 billion was raised by churches last year through crowdfunding. In the Old Testament we find the first clear-cut example of church related fundraising. God commanded Moses to petition the Israelites for materials to build a Tabernacle for the Lord -Exodus 25:1-2, 8 NIV
1 The LORD said to Moses,
2 “Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from each man whose heart prompts him to give.
8 “Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them.
For startups looking for help, the answer is here:www.moneytofundyourvision.com
Regine says
November 1, 2015 at 10:07 amYes, the word of God is the foundation from which anything of eternal value will be built. Even those who don’t ackowledge this or refuse to, can only but notice the fruit borne of those who give reverance to our Father & Jesus Christ out Lord and Savior. The hardest part of starting my own business is committing to the affirmation that I am. I’ve been reaching for excellence in places that were stops along the way. God was there all along watching & guiding. It’s hard to let go and be let go when the funds are low and the debts are high. That’s my reality. Yet, I want my business to be authentic, produce a service that is tangible to the user. My name is on this and even more so I want the backing a blessing of my Creator.
Tinashe Dumisani Nenera says
November 1, 2015 at 2:12 pmThank you very much for the verses I know know with God on my side I will easily be succesful
Robert geiter says
November 2, 2015 at 8:57 amI am working on my class c lic thank for sharing gods wisdom
LADY HALTOM says
December 25, 2015 at 12:05 pmThank you so much Melinda for sharing these encouraging truth from God’s words. We are a small family business stewards and the business God allowed us to have is quite controversial. But we will seek what is right in His eyes.’ Be praying for us.
www.herblendteas.com
Angela says
January 1, 2016 at 12:22 amThank you Melinda. God bless you.
Susan says
January 4, 2018 at 1:28 pmMs. Emerson, this comment is four years after you put this out on the web, and it SAVED me in such a huge way, this morning! Thank you for your obedience unto God in putting His word out to remind us that we are loved and guided even in our small businesses. The verse from Philippians convinced me to drop a huge part of my burden behind me, and simply seek the right way to move forward. That wisdom came straight from God. For days, I have been an internal wreck, feeling that I had been horribly betrayed by a contractor, and taken for a lot of money. But I managed to put a huge chunk of my situation behind me and press onward. Now, I have hope, once again. Thank you, dear servant-leader, for being there for me, and so many others. God bless you, richly and eternally!