Should a person work for an employer who provides unjust wages, even if it’s the market rate? e.g. employer keeps 90% profit, employee 10%. In this scenario, is it better to negotiate a fairer rate or change professions? If one is unemployed, should one accept an unjust wage? Would this scenario change if one is able to provide for the family via other means, vs. one who is unable? Between righteousness and laziness, which matters more? If an unemployed person is unable to accept unjust wages, is that person being lazy? If one is able to support oneself, is one obliged to still work hard, or work at all?<\/p>\n\t
\n“Should a person work for an employer who provides unjust wages, even if it’s the market rate? e.g. employer keeps 90% profit, employee 10%. In this scenario, is it better to negotiate a fairer rate or change professions?”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
The Standard<\/h3>\n
First off, God approves of fair wages (Malachi 3:5). A worker is worth his wages (Matthew 10:10). You should be paid in full be treated fairly (Deuteronomy 24:14-15; Colossians 4:1; Ephesians 6:9). But at the same time, we do not all work under people, corporations, or nations who follow God. There will be times when we have to bite the bullet, whether our employer is good or bad, and still be good stewards (Ephesians 6:5-8; Matthew 5:38-48).<\/p>\n
The Economy<\/h3>\n
In hard times people tend to take whatever they can and make do with less wages because the economy is falling. We all take what we can get, put down our living “big,” and live with less. By world’s standards, people in the U.S. are still in the top 10% of the richest in the world. I have worked at a commission job where I got 40%. Personally, it wasn’t bad at all. I made a lot of money while the rest of the people who worked my kind of job in the US got maybe 30% at most and usually it was between 15% to 20% for many people. But even at the 40% mark, it was difficult at times due to supply and demand on whatever product it was being sold during different times of the year. Profits and commissions are always a risky business to be in. It doesn’t matter who you are.<\/p>\n
Commissioned Jobs versus Hourly or Salary<\/h3>\n
Commission Jobs<\/h4>\n
When you say market rate, I am assuming it is what the majority of the employers are paying when selling an item or a service. The return to the employer is 90% and 10% of the overall profit is for the employee. This would mean you know what you are getting into before you entered the job. You knew the terms beforehand. If you did not investigate, then that is one’s own fault. Most commissioned jobs require you to evolve to become better at two things: \u00a0Selling yourself and selling (making the product look good) the product to earn more money. The downfall of commission jobs is that more hours doesn’t always guarantee more money since the pay isn’t based on hours.<\/p>\n
Salary and Hourly Jobs<\/strong><\/h4>\n
If you work at a company that has a huge hierarchy, there are tons of areas to improve and move up on the salary or hourly wage scale. There are low-end jobs, such as fast food, there is no higher position besides management and no big expectations, but you can expect the same paycheck and have an OK performance. What I encourage people to do is if you do know of a job you like and pay a constant wage, it’s nice to have stability in that way and have enjoyment in your work (Ecclesiastes 2:22-24). Do your best to find a job that you are good at and has a constant wage.<\/p>\n
Most people are not go-getters. They tend to like having people over them telling them what to do. Commission jobs are for the minority who are self-motivated.<\/p>\n
\n“If one is unemployed, should one accept an unjust wage? Would this scenario change if one is able to provide for the family via other means, vs. one who is unable?”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
How Unemployment Works<\/h3>\n
If one is unemployed, in several countries You can get unemployment if you have kept a stable job for a decent amount of time. It isn’t free. You or your employer pay into unemployment insurance with each paycheck. You receive unemployment until you’re rehired, find another job, or the limit on the benefits run out. \u00a0These resources should be avoided if you can work. Sometimes we do hit hard places but the majority of people in the US can find jobs, even if it is fast food. We all have to start somewhere and build a reputation from the ground up.<\/p>\n
There are situations where people are crippled and cannot work, but it should be rare not to find some kind of employment to bring in some money. For those who are mentally handicapped or disabled, many governments and organizations offer income or supplemental income. But I do not encourage laziness or free handouts for life — that is wrong (Proverbs 6:6-11; 18:9; II Thessalonians 3:10). Income should be worked for (Leviticus 19:9-10).<\/p>\n
The main source of help should be friends and family (Proverbs 18:24), willing to help out each other, especially immediate family and other Christians (II Corinthians 8:1-15; I Timothy 5:3-16). When offered help put it to good use in helping you get a job and supporting yourself.<\/p>\n
\n“If an unemployed person is unable to accept unjust wages, is that person being lazy?”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Unjust Wages and Being Unemployed<\/h3>\n
Unjust wages are hard to come by in countries that are not third-world. Even in third world countries, well, it’s a way of life and you get what you can to survive. One should be paid what they’re worth to a certain extent but same time we can’t fix the world (Ecclesiastes 1:15).<\/p>\n
It isn’t wrong to accept unjust wages that you have earned. It is upon your employer’s head if he doesn’t provide the correct amount. \u00a0In most countries, if an employer is not paying fairly, it only takes a few phone calls to agencies that regulate employment. I worked for two companies that provided unjust wages. They tried to scam the system. One company is shut down and the other is barely keeping above water because he cannot retain employees. Such companies don’t usually stay open long preying on their employees.<\/p>\n
\n“Between righteousness and laziness, which matter more?”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Laziness versus Righteousness<\/h3>\n
It is OK to rest — taking a day off work or going on vacation, etc. Resting is actually helpful. Enjoying the godly pleasures of life is also fine (Ecclesiastes 11:9-10). But being lazy as a way of life is wrong. Part of life is working (Genesis 2:15; 3:17-19). One should not be lazy at his job or in dealing with his family, friends, or God. Being lazy shows a lack of love and would be taking advantage of those around you (II Thessalonians 3:6-16). We are told to work hard at whatever we do (Ecclesiastes 9:10).<\/p>\n
Righteousness is choosing to live godly. Righteousness shows love, compassion, and a yearning to always do the right thing to everyone, even if they are a bad employer, friend, or family member (I Timothy 6:11; II Timothy 2:21-26; Matthew 5:38-48).<\/p>\n
\n“If one is able to support oneself, is one obliged to still work hard, or work at all?”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Working Even Though We Are Wealthy<\/h3>\n
If I was a millionaire, I would do a few things differently, but I still would work. \u00a0Men were made to work, as was stated earlier. Strangely enough, it is healthy to work and to work out (I Timothy 4:8; Ecclesiastes 5:12). If we are lazy all day, we tend to have health problems later on in life. You should think of how your life would change with wealth.<\/p>\n
\n
- Would I sit outside in the sun all day doing nothing?<\/li>\n
- Buy expensive things? These only bring momentary satisfaction and leave a person wanting more (Ecclesiastes 5:10-11).<\/li>\n
- Or do I see being well off as an opportunity to bless the less fortunate with what I have (I Timothy 6:17-19) and to work for God with the wealth He has given me (Ecclesiastes 5:19-20).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
I would pick the last one! Because of wealth, I could do more for people who are struggling financially, bring relief to other Christian communities in the world, send money to preachers in poverty-stricken areas where people can’t afford to pay the preacher, etc. Options would be endless, but I would still be working. It would just be using more of my money, spending on people, investing in eternal life, and making God’s kingdom grow (Matthew 28:19-20)! \u00a0To help those in need, especially those of the household of God, is one of the best things we can work at and do (Galatians 6:9-10; II Corinthians 8:18-21; James 1:27). To do nothing is to be selfish. We must do all we can with the short time on earth that we have (Psalm 103:15-19). Doing no work of any kind would be a waste of God’s gift of life, which He has given to you (Psalms 139:13-18).<\/p>\n
Alan Feaster<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Question: Should a person work for an employer who provides unjust wages, even if it’s the market rate? e.g. employer keeps 90% profit, employee 10%. In this scenario, is it better to negotiate a fairer rate or change professions? If one is unemployed, should one accept an unjust wage? Would this scenario change if one…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[20],"tags":[105,659,258],"class_list":["post-34307","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-answer","tag-employment","tag-jobs","tag-money-management"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":3645,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/should-wages-be-fixed\/","url_meta":{"origin":34307,"position":0},"title":"Should wages be fixed?","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"December 11, 2005","format":false,"excerpt":"Questions: Describe the merits and demerits of fixed wages. Answer: When wages are described in the Bible, they are determined by negotiation. An employer declares what he is willing to pay and a prospective employee replies whether he will accept the job for that pay. For example, Jacob negotiated a\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Answer"","block_context":{"text":"Answer","link":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/category\/answer\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":18262,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/is-it-wrong-for-my-employer-to-demand-more-hours-from-me\/","url_meta":{"origin":34307,"position":1},"title":"Is it wrong for my employer to demand more hours from me?","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"March 27, 2009","format":false,"excerpt":"Question: I have been asked by my employer to work more hours since they laid off other employees.\u00a0 Is there anything against doing this in the Bible, if it means having less time with my young son and wife?\u00a0 This will not be overtime as I am a salaried employee.\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Answer"","block_context":{"text":"Answer","link":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/category\/answer\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":21661,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/should-christians-apply-for-unemployment-or-look-for-another-job\/","url_meta":{"origin":34307,"position":2},"title":"Should Christians apply for unemployment or look for another job?","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"April 18, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Question: Dear Sir, Should a Christian apply for unemployment if they are laid off from a job or just look for another job? Answer: Why is this an either-or question? Unemployment is offered so that a person can pay their bills\u00a0while looking for another job. The purpose of unemployment insurance\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Answer"","block_context":{"text":"Answer","link":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/category\/answer\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":31877,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/should-i-give-up-my-job-because-i-cheated-some-in-college\/","url_meta":{"origin":34307,"position":3},"title":"Should I give up my job because I cheated some in college?","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"February 20, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"Question: I cheated some during college. I regret this wholeheartedly. I have my current job as a teacher now because of my degree, which I view as tainted from cheating. Should I give up the benefits that have come with the possession of my degree? Does simply holding my degree\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Answer"","block_context":{"text":"Answer","link":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/category\/answer\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":24038,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/is-paul-saying-that-only-if-we-dont-work-then-god-will-make-us-righteous\/","url_meta":{"origin":34307,"position":4},"title":"Is Paul saying that only if we don’t work, then God will make us righteous?","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"July 17, 2010","format":false,"excerpt":"Question: Is Paul saying in Romans 4:4-5 that only if we don't work then God will make us righteous? Answer: \"Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Answer"","block_context":{"text":"Answer","link":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/category\/answer\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":62996,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/work-as-for-the-lord\/","url_meta":{"origin":34307,"position":5},"title":"Work as for the Lord","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"October 1, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: II Thessalonians 3:6-16 \u00a0 I.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Why should you work? \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0I had a friend that inherited a large sum of money before he was 18. There was enough cash available that he could live comfortably off the interest the money would generate for the rest of his\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Audio"","block_context":{"text":"Audio","link":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/category\/audio\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34307","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=34307"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34307\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=34307"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=34307"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=34307"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}