When Business Ventures Fail

Business failures have led to disappointment and even to loss of spirituality on the part of some Christians who entered into unsound ventures. Heartache and bitterness have resulted from failure to let discernment act as a safeguard. Greed has snared  many.  "Let . . .greediness not even be mentioned among you, just as it befits holy people," wrote Paul. (Ephesians 5:3) And he warned:  "Those who are determined  to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and many senseless and hurtful  desires, which plunge men into destruction and ruin.  For the love of money is a root of all sorts of injurious things, and by reaching out for this love some have been led astray from the faith and have stabbed themselves all over with many pains." -1 Timothy 6:9, 10.

If a Christian developed a love of money, he would cause himself much spiritual harm. The Pharisees were money lovers, and this is a trait of many in these last days. (Luke 16:14; 2 Timothy 3:1, 2)  In contrast, a Christian's manner of life should be "free of the love of money." (Hebrews 13:5) Of course, Christians can do business with one another or start businesses together. IF they do so, however, discussions and negotiations should be kept separate from congregational matters. And remember:  Even among spiritual brothers, always commit business agreements in writing. Helpful in this regard is the article  "Put It In Writing!," published in AWAKE! of February 8, 1983, pages 13 to 15. 

Proverbs 22:7 tells us: "The borrower is servant to the man doing the lending." It is often unwise for us to put ourselves or our brother in the position of such a servant. When anyone asks us to lend him money for a business venture, it would be advisable to consider his ability to repay the sum. Is he known to be reliable and trustworthy?  Of course, we should realize that making such a loan could mean the loss of the money because many business ventures fail. A contract in itself does not ensure a successful venture. And surely it is not prudent for anyone to place more risk in an enterprise than he could afford to lose.

We need to show discernment if we have lent funds to a Christian for business purposes and the money was lost, though no dishonest practices were involved. If the business failure was not the fault of our fellow believer who borrowed the money, can we say that we were wronged? No, because we voluntarily  made the loan, we have probably been collecting interest on it, and nothing dishonest  has taken place.  Since there was no dishonesty, we have no basis for legal action against the borrower. what good would it do to sue an honest fellow Christian who had to file for bankruptcy  because a well-intentioned business venture failed? -1 Corinthians 6:1.

Those experiencing business failures sometimes seek relief by declaring bankruptcy.   Since Christians are not negligent about indebtedness, even after being legally freed of certain debts, some have felt obliged to try to pay off the canceled sums of the creditors would accept payment.  But what if a borrower lost his brother's money and then lived in a luxurious manner?  Or what if the borrower acquired sufficient funds to pay back what he borrowed but ignored the moral obligation he may have to his brother financially? Then there would be questions about the borrower's qualifications to serve in a responsible capacity in the congregation. 1 Timothy 3:3, 8. 

Next time: What If There Is Fraud?

From the Watchtower, magazine, 1997