'When You Eat the Labor of Your Hands, You Shall Be Happy': Entrepreneurship and the Hebrew Bible
52 Pages Posted: 13 Jul 2006
Date Written: July 2006
Abstract
Over the past few decades, there has been tremendous growth in entrepreneurship, along with a concomitant resurgence of spirituality in corporate America and much of the world; people want their jobs to have meaning. The Hebrew Bible, especially the Pentateuch (Torah), has had a profound effect on billions of people, both believers and non-believers. By understanding what it demands of humankind, entrepreneurs can see the special role they play in improving the world. This paper surveys the scholarly literature on entrepreneurship, spirituality, and religion, and then examines some principles derived from the Hebrew Bible that can be especially useful to entrepreneurs interested in establishing a spiritual firm. These principles include: humankind must live a spiritual life; gratitude to God for success; caring for the weak and helpless in society; respectful treatment of employees; conducting one's business in an ethical and aboveboard manner; environmental stewardship and improving the world; and servant-leadership.
Keywords: Entrepreneurship, religion, Hebrew Bible, spirituality, spiritual workplace, capitalism with a soul
JEL Classification: M13
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation