Wisdom-Based Business: Applying Biblical Principles and Evidence-Based Research for a Purposeful and Profitable Business

by Hannah J. Stolze, C. William Pollard (Foreword)

Make Your Business Purposeful and Profitable

At its best, business is both purposeful and profitable, dynamic and gainful, commercial and rewarding. Far from being opposites, good business and good behavior go hand-in-hand, and biblical principles can align with best practices. In Wisdom-Based Business, marketing and supply-chain professor Hannah J. Stolze draws principles from the Bible's wisdom literature and from evidence-based research to create a framework for business that is oriented toward excellence and sustainability. This book addresses import issues such as:

The virtue of profit
Servant leadership
Wisdom-based values, such as long-term over short-term, stakeholders, and quality
Beneficial outcomes of wisdom-based business, including reputation and comparative advantage
The ultimate outcome of eternal impact
Intended for business students and working professionals alike, Wisdom-Based Business demonstrates how to pursue profitability to the honor and glory of God. Unique among Christian books on business, it helps readers make the right decisions in business by presenting:

Biblical Principles. Drawing upon the Bible's wisdom literature, each topic addressed is undergirded by insights from Scripture.

Evidence-Based Research. Recommendations are thoroughly grounded in the best and latest research in the field.

Case Studies: Each chapter demonstrates how the principles can be lived out in the real world, amid the inevitable challenges and competition all business confronts. 

Any Christian who works in the marketplace or is training to work in the marketplace will benefit from Wisdom-Based Business' practical guidance on how to reflect Christian values in their corporate tasks and strategies--and on how those values can be not hindrances but keys to success.

Genres: Business, Christian

272 pages, Hardcover

Published April 13, 2021

Reviews

[Joel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The reading is dense, but Stolze is an excellent researcher and there's a lot to learn here not just about business, but about leadership, faith, and living well in an interconnected world. I highly recommend this to anyone in the business world or other positions of leadership. One word of caution, the content seems geared more towards big businesses, but as someone dabbling in the world of small business I felt there was still plenty for me too.

[Carolyn Kellam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly practical and insightful with engaging case studies

[Matthew Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was intrigued by this book because of my nephew who is going into college this year looking to major in business. I want him to succeed and have the best possible experience now and in the future.
So when I saw this book I had to read it and I was not disappointed. As I was reading this book I thought about all of my work experiences and how much the concept of wisdom based business resonated with me. I have had a few jobs over my life and the jobs that I loved were the ones that used wisdom based business even if they did not call it that.
As Hannah weaves Proverbs 31 and many stories of how taking care of your employees will be the best for your business I can’t help but pause and think about all the businesses out there that are worried about the bottom line and are struggling to find employees to stay. There are many studies out there that it is killing the bottom line when companies fire or have to have a new hire.
Business leaders have to do better. Reading this book and implementing the concepts is one step in the right direction.

[Jsteedly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m our instantaneous culture we are looking at the quick result instead of the long term outcome. Making plans for the long term will ultimately provide for the most sustainability. Biblical principles are explained throughout this book. It is important to remember the practicality of what is in the Bible. One principle is Proverbs 3:27 “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do so.” This idea of treating others with respect even in business situations is worth remembering.

[Christy Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the book over a weekend. I enjoy the fresh insights the author shared of a Wisdom-Based Business Model. The case studies were relevant companies with demonstrated practices. They were also identifiable as they relate to biblical wisdom. I enjoy the biblical references concering business practices.

[Landon Carlile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will forever change the way I perceive business. Thank you Hannah Stolze.