I just came from Davao where I was given the privilege to speak to over a hundred business owners for a conference organized by Victory Davao’s business community. The conference featured me and my dear friend Dodong Cacanando. We spoke about how to build and grow business that is God honoring as well as introduce Kingdom principles.

Let me share to you why I believe that godly enterprise is crucial for our society…

Proverbs 11:26 (ESV) – “The people curse him who holds back grain, but a blessing is on the head of him who sells it.”

Understanding the Text in Its Context

This proverb was written in the context of an agrarian economy, where grain was not just a commodity—it was life. Farmers who had excess grain during a time of need but chose to withhold it from the market for personal gain were seen as exploiting others’ hardship. That’s why “the people curse him.”

On the other hand, those who fairly sold their grain, even during scarcity, were seen as acting justly and generously. They were remembered and praised for it. In essence, this verse highlights the moral value of just trade and the danger of selfish hoarding.

The Hebrew word translated “holds back” (monea) carries the idea of intentional restraint or withholding. This is not a case of accidental delay—it’s a deliberate act to manipulate supply and increase profit. It’s a picture of injustice, and Scripture is clear: injustice in business is offensive to God.

Applying the Principle to Today

While we no longer live in an agrarian economy, the principle remains the same: how we handle the goods, services, and opportunities entrusted to us reflects our heart before God.

In today’s marketplace, the equivalent of “withholding grain” might be:

• Artificially inflating prices during crises
• Hoarding essential resources (think: medical supplies during pandemics)
• Using insider knowledge to manipulate markets
• Withholding innovation or opportunity for fear of losing competitive edge

The other side of the coin is the ethical businessperson: someone who engages in trade not just for profit, but for service. They provide real value, create jobs, price fairly, pay justly, and contribute to the common good. According to Proverbs, that person is a blessing.

Practical Application: Business as Worship

I’ve spent most of my life in the financial world. I’ve seen the best and worst of what money—and business—can do to the human heart. And here’s what I know: Business isn’t evil. The love of money is. (1 Timothy 6:10)

We need to shift our mindset. Business is not secular while missions and ministry are sacred. If we read our Bibles closely, we’ll see that God has always used business and trade to bless communities and nations. Abraham was a wealthy livestock owner. Lydia was a dealer in purple cloth. Jesus Himself spent most of His adult life working as a carpenter before starting His public ministry.

Business is not just about profit—it’s about purpose.

If you’re a Christian entrepreneur, manager, or employee, your workplace is your mission field. When you serve your customers well, treat your people right, create value, and honor God with your profit—you’re not just working. You’re worshipping.

A Call to Marketplace Christians

Let me leave you with a challenge: Don’t just build a business—build the Kingdom through business.

Run your company with integrity.
Pay your people fairly.
Be generous to your community.
Pay your taxes.
Support your local church.
And always, always put people before profit.

When we do that, we’re not just being good businessmen—we’re being good stewards of what God has entrusted to us.

In the end, business done God’s way is a blessing to society—and an act of worship to the Lord.